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Rocky Mountain columbine
Aquilegia caerulea
The Rocky Mountain columbine, or Aquilegia caerulea, is a perennial plant with undeniable charm. Its delicate, airy flowers are a true delight to behold. Whether you have a natural, romantic, or mountain-inspired garden, it's the perfect addition to add a touch of poetry and refinement.
Description
Height at maturity
30 to 35 cm
Wingspan at maturity
30 to 40 cm
Exposure
Sun, partial shade
Flowering
April to June
Hardiness
-29°C
Origin
United States
Aquilegia caerulea – Rocky Mountain columbine
Aquilegia caerulea, also known as Rocky Mountain columbine, is an elegant perennial native to North America, prized for its light, airy flowers and delicate colours. It is ideal for natural, romantic, or mountain-inspired gardens.
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Origins and Characteristics
Aquilegia caerulea is a perennial plant native to the Rocky Mountains, particularly in Colorado, where it is the state's floral emblem. It belongs to the Renonculaceae family. This variety is distinguished by its star-shaped flowers in pale blue, purple, or lavender tones, often bicoloured with white in the center. The curved spurs at the back of each flower give it a unique appearance, like hanging floral "lollipops." This plant is highly valued for its ability to naturalize easily in a garden, thanks to its self-seeding.
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Description and Characteristics
Rocky Mountain columbine reaches a height of 30 to 40 cm at maturity. Its flowers, borne on long, thin stems, measure 6 to 8 cm in diameter, with fine, curved petals that evoke small floral dances. The highly dissected, bluish-green foliage forms a low, dense clump at the base.
● Flowering: From April to June, sometimes as late as July depending on the climate.
● Flower Colour: Pale blue to purple with white, depending on the cultivar.
● Lifespan: Short-lived perennial (3 to 4 years), but it self-seeds abundantly.
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Plant Characteristics
● Mature Height: 30 to 35 cm
● Width: 30 to 40 cm
● Type: Spring-flowering herbaceous perennial
● Foliage: Deciduous, finely lobed
● Hardiness: Very good (down to -29°C)
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Flowering
Aquilegia caerulea blooms in spring, between April and June. The flowers are solitary or grouped in small, loose clusters. Their unique shape, with arched spurs, attracts pollinating insects such as bees and butterflies.
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Exposure and Soil
● Exposure: Preferably partial shade, but tolerates mild sun in cooler regions. Avoid scorching summer exposure.
● Soil: Light, humus-rich, well-drained. It prefers cool soil in spring, but dry soil in summer.
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Planting
Plant young Rocky Mountain columbine plants in spring or fall, spacing each plant about 30 to 40 cm apart. An organic mulch at the base helps keep the soil cool. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Watering
● Water regularly during the first year after planting, especially during dry periods.
● Once well established, columbine tolerates slightly drier conditions.
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Pruning
● Remove faded flowers to encourage a second bloom and prevent excessive spread.
● Cut back foliage in late summer if it turns yellow or becomes damaged.
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Propagation
● By self-seeding: it reseeds easily around the mother plant.
● By directed sowing in pots in fall or early spring.
● It's difficult to divide, as it doesn't like to be moved.
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Garden Uses
Rocky Mountain columbine is perfect for:
● Natural or perennial beds
● Romantic-style gardens
● Shady rock gardens
● Light undergrowth
● Mountain gardens
It combines well with perennial geraniums, foxgloves, bellflowers, or heucheras.
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Disease Protection
● Diseases: Susceptible to powdery mildew in humid climates; monitor for it at the end of the season.
● Pests: Slugs and snails can attack young leaves in spring.
● Avoid excess moisture and space plants well apart for good ventilation.
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Tips and tricks for beautiful flowering
● Don't prune too early if you want to benefit from spontaneous seedlings.
● Pair it with light, late-flowering foliage to prolong the visual interest.
● Avoid soils too rich in nitrogen: this favours foliage at the expense of flowers.
● Remove faded flowers to channel vigour and maintain well-formed clumps.
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Aquilegia caerulea is a charming perennial, with a discreet yet durable appeal. Easy to grow, hardy, and delicate, it is perfect for creating natural and poetic ambiances in the garden. Its light habit and graceful blooms make it a must-have for perennial gardens.
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Features
- Common name : Rocky Mountain columbine
- Family : Renonculaceae
- Category : perennial
- Spread : 30 to 40 cm
- Foliage : deciduous
- Color of flowers : Light blue and white
- Use : Perennial beds, rock gardens, borders
- Soil : all
- Density per m² : 6 to 9 plants
- Enemies : slugs
- Possible diseases : Powdery mildew
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