Columbines (scientifically known as *Aquilegia*) are absolute garden favorites, famous for their delicate, whimsical blooms that pop up every spring. These beauties belong to the buttercup family, and with over 70 different species to choose from, there’s truly a variety for every style of garden. Here in the States, we’re lucky to have native varieties like the blue-and-white Rocky Mountain Columbine, while the classic European Common Columbine brings those deep blue-violet hues we all love.
Varieties of Columbine
With 70 species out there, you’ll mostly see them categorized by color, flower shape, and size. Most standard Columbines reach about 28 to 35 inches tall, but if you’re short on space, there are adorable dwarf varieties that stay between 6 and 8 inches. The flowers themselves are incredibly graceful—some are double-petaled, others single, and many feature those iconic, elegantly curved “spurs.” The color palette is massive, ranging from:
- Crisp White
- Sunny Yellow
- Every shade of Red
- Soft Pink
- Deep Violet
You can even find striking bicolor combinations like:
- Yellow and Red
- Red and White
- Light Blue and White
- Green-Yellow and Red-Brown
- Dark Purple and White
Standout Cultivars
While the original wild forms—often found tucked away in alpine meadows—are the ancestors of our garden favorites, breeders have developed a huge range of varieties for our backyards. Fun fact: wild alpine Columbines are often protected species, so it’s important to leave them in their mountain homes and stick to nursery-grown plants!
If you’re looking for something compact, Dwarf Columbines are a great pick. They stay small but pack a punch with oversized flowers and unique colors. They generally prefer lime-rich soil and a bit of afternoon shade. A fan favorite is the long-spurred ‘Rose Queen,’ which features a white center and a striking red “cap.”
Then we have the Hybrids. These are created by crossing two different lines to get the best of both worlds—usually resulting in plants that are hardier and more vigorous than their parents. Some of the most popular hybrids you’ll find at the garden center include:
- Alaska: A stunning long-spurred white variety, reaching about 28 inches.
- Florida: A bright yellow, long-spurred beauty, also 28 inches tall.
- Kansas: A bold red variety with long spurs, hitting that 28-inch mark.
- Virginia: Reaches about 28 inches with classic white-and-blue blooms.
- Crimson Star: Grows to 24 inches and shows off large, star-shaped red flowers.
The Best Growing Conditions
For the most part, Columbines are happiest in partial shade—they love being tucked under the canopy of taller shrubs or trees. However, those tough hybrids can usually handle full sun just fine. The key to success is the soil: they want it nutrient-rich, sandy, and well-draining. While they enjoy staying hydrated, they absolutely hate “wet feet” (standing water), so make sure your spot doesn’t get swampy. When you’re planting, just be sure to give them plenty of elbow room so they have space to breathe and grow!
