Min. to Max. Annual Precipitation
36in.
Average Max. Height
Colorado blue Columbine (Aquilegia coerulea) is a perennial wildflower known for its striking, delicate beauty. This blue Columbine is a native to the Rocky Mountains. It can be found in meadows, open woodlands, and alpine environments. Aquilegia coerulea prefers a well-drained soil.
General Description:
Colorado Blue Columbine (Aquilegia coerulea) is a perennial wildflower known for its striking, delicate beauty. This blue Columbine is a native to the Rocky Mountains. It can be found in meadows, open woodlands, and alpine environments. Aquilegia coerulea prefers a well-drained soil.
To identify these beautiful flowers the blooms are distinctive with five petal-like sepals, which are often blue or lavender with five contrasting white petals. Each of these petals forms a unique, elongated spur, giving the flower a star-like appearance. The flowers are typically 1-2 inches across, with spurs up to 2 inches long. The leaves are fern-like, divided into three loaves and a rich green. Colorado blue Columbine grows between 1-3 feet tall with flower stems rising above the basal leaves.
Uses:
Common uses are for ornamental purposes but also can be used for a pollinator support. It is ideal for restoration projects as it is a native flower. This flower provides shelter and food for various insects and small animals in its native ecosystems.
Planting Conditions:
Aquilegia coerulea grows well in well drained, sandy, or loamy soils. This Columbine prefers partial shade to full sun and requires moisture but is drought tolerant once established. The blue Columbine thrives at elevations between 6,000- 12,000 feet. It typically blooms from late spring to mid summer, typically May through July. The Colorado blue Columbine requires between 15-30 inches of annual precipitation but it is somewhat adaptable to drier conditions if planted in shaded areas with occasional watering. It prefers consistent soil moisture but should not be waterlogged.
Blue Columbine tolerates a pH range of 6.0-7.0. This flower struggles in excessively hot or humid conditions unless planted in shaded or cooler spots. It is recommended to plant in fall or early spring. The seeds do require a cold stratification to germinate. Blue Columbine is highly cold hardy and adapted to alpine and subalpine climates.
Establishment:
Before planting make sure to prepare the site by loosening soil to improve aeration and drainage and ensure area has partial shade to mimic its natural environment. Remove any weeds that may add competition to the new seedling.
For fall planting ensure night temperatures are freezing and day temperatures are around 50 degrees so the seeds will lay dormant through the winter. This process helps give the seeds a natural stratification process.
For early spring planting place seeds in moist sand or a paper towel inside a sealed container and refrigerate for 3-4 weeks before planting. This process mimics the natural stratification process. Plant seeds after last frost date.
When planting sow seed on the surface of the soil and lightly press them in. Do not cover them deeply as they need light to germinate. Seeds typically germinate in 2-4 weeks when soil temperatures are 60-70 degrees.
When watering keep soil consistently moist but not soggy during the first growing season. Water deeply 1-2 times per week, adjust based on rainfall. Colorado blue Columbine may take 2-3 years to flower as the plant focuses on root and foliage development initially.
Seeding Rate:
2-4 ounces per 1,000 sqft or 5-10 lbs per acre
Columbine does have a low germination rate so account for this when calculating the seeding rate. **Don’t plant deeper than 1/4″
Quick Plant Facts
Scientific Name: | |
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Growth Height: | 1-3 feet |
Broadcast Rate: | 10-15 lbs per acre |
Max Sowing Depth | 1/4 inch |
Elevation | up to 10,000 ft |
pH Tolerance: | |
Min. Precipitation: | 12 inches |
Best Sowing Time: | Early Spring or Late Fall |
Lifespan: | Perennial |
Sun & Shade Tolerance: | Partial Shade to Full Sun |