The Story
Plant Bio
Aquilegia rockii, commonly known as Rock Columbine, is a perennial with delicate, nodding flowers featuring spurred petals in shades of purple and white, complemented by finely divided foliage.
This cultivar, BSWJ 7965, is distinguished by its particularly striking deep purple and white bi-colored flowers, making it a standout in shaded garden borders.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
24 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Medium
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
China
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a shaded spot with moist, well-draining loam soil
- Tuck seeds into soil in fall or early spring, lightly cover
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity
- Prune dead or damaged stems after flowering
- Mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
- Dividing is best every 3-4 years in early spring
Pro Tip
Ensure consistent moisture and avoid overly dry conditions for best blooms
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming
Don't
- Avoid dry or overly sandy soils ❌
- Don’t expose to full sun, as it prefers partial shade
- Refrain from heavy fertilizing, which can cause legginess
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
BSWJ 7965 Rock's Columbine questions
What zones can BSWJ 7965 Rock's Columbine grow in?
BSWJ 7965 Rock's Columbine is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is BSWJ 7965 Rock's Columbine deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse BSWJ 7965 Rock's Columbine, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does BSWJ 7965 Rock's Columbine bloom?
BSWJ 7965 Rock's Columbine typically blooms in late spring to early summer through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does BSWJ 7965 Rock's Columbine need full sun?
BSWJ 7965 Rock's Columbine does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Aquilegia to compare
Columbine Mix
Aquilegia x hybrida 'Mix'
Columbine Double Flowers
Aquilegia vulgaris 'Double Flowers'
Melba Higgins Columbine
Aquilegia x hybrida 'Melba Higgins'
Columbine McKana Hybrids
Aquilegia vulgaris 'McKana Hybrids'
Biedermeier Columbine
Aquilegia vulgaris 'Biedermeier'
Tequila Sunrise Columbine
Aquilegia x hybrida 'Tequila Sunrise'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow BSWJ 7965 Rock's Columbine with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.