Species
Aquilegia vulgarisCommon Columbine16 other cultivars
‘Double Flowers’Columbine Double Flowers
‘McKana Hybrids’Columbine McKana Hybrids
‘Biedermeier’Biedermeier Columbine
‘Winky Rose’Winky Rose Columbine
‘McKana Hybrid’McKana Hybrid Columbine
‘Black Barlow’Black Barlow Columbine
‘Kirigami Rose Pink’Kirigami Rose Pink Columbine
‘Blue Barlow’Blue Barlow Columbine
‘William Guinness’William Guinness columbine
‘Clementine Red’Clementine Red Columbine
‘Crimson Star’Crimson Star Columbine
‘Leprechaun Gold’Leprechaun Gold Columbine
‘Munstead White’Columbine Munstead White
‘Nora Barlow’Nora Barlow Columbine
‘Clementine Rose’Clementine Rose Columbine
‘Woodside White’Woodside White Columbine
The Story
Plant Bio
Aquilegia vulgaris 'Aureo-Variegata' is a perennial plant featuring delicate, nodding flowers with spurred petals in shades of blue and purple, complemented by variegated foliage with golden-yellow and green patterns.
This cultivar is distinguished by its striking variegated leaves that add ornamental value even when not in bloom, making it an attractive choice for shaded borders and woodland gardens.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
24 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Requires consistent moisture
Humidity
Prefers moderate humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Europe, temperate Asia
Toxicity
All parts are toxic if ingested
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged
- Provide partial shade for optimal growth
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture
- Divide clumps every 3–4 years in early spring
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
Pro Tip
Plant in partial shade with rich, moist soil for best results
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently during dry periods 🌱
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t expose to full sun in hot climates
- Refrain from disturbing roots during flowering
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Variegated Columbine questions
What zones can Variegated Columbine grow in?
Variegated 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 Variegated Columbine deer resistant?
Yes — Variegated Columbine is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Variegated Columbine bloom?
Variegated 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 Variegated Columbine need full sun?
Variegated 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 Variegated 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.