Also known as Columbine · 3.9k saves
Aquilegia
Aquilegia, the genus most gardeners know as columbine. We track 58 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Aquilegia varieties
See all 58 Aquilegia varieties →Search this genus →
9 species of Aquilegia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Aquilegia in Sow
Save the Aquilegia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Aquilegia
Whats common across all Aquilegia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them.
The Aquilegia year
- DeadheadMay and June98% of varieties
Remove spent flower stalks to prevent aggressive self-seeding
- Spring CleanupFebruary85% of varieties
Cut back old, spent foliage before new growth emerges
- Check for PestsApril–June73% of varieties
Monitor for columbine leaf miners, a common pest
- PruneJune and July33% of varieties
Cut spent flower stalks back to the basal foliage after blooming
- PlantMarch, April, September and October30% of varieties
Plant container stock in early spring or early fall
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t expose to full sun in hot climates
- Refrain from disturbing roots during flowering
What goes wrong with Aquilegia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue on leaves, distorted growth | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Leaf miners | Serpentine tunnels in leaves | Remove affected leaves and apply insecticidal soap |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Use sulfur-based fungicide chemical remedy |
| Slugs | Irregular holes in leaves, slime trails | Use organic slug bait or copper barriers |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply organic fungicide |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Apply organic fungicide and improve air circulation |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Ensure well-draining soil and reduce watering |
Making more Aquilegia
Division
- Divide clumps in early spring, replant immediately, and water thoroughly
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in fall, lightly cover, and keep moist for 6 weeks
Aquilegia questions
How many types of Aquilegia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 58 distinct Aquilegia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 3.9k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Aquilegia grow in?
Across its varieties, Aquilegia covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Aquilegia bloom?
Most Aquilegia varieties bloom in late spring, late spring to early summer, mid-spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Aquilegia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.