Columbine (Aquilegia x hybrida)-Hort Answers - University of Illinois Extension
University of Illinois Extension

University of Illinois Extension

Hort Answers

Perennial

Columbine
Aquilegia x hybrida

Aquilegia 'Spring Magic'
Aquilegia 'Spring Magic'
 
Features
Airy, graceful fan like blue-green foliage and large, spurred flowers in a wide range of colors 
 
Culture
Sun to partial shade in moist well-drained soils 
 
Cultivars

Numerous. Some include:

'Biedermeier' 9-12 inches compact, blue-white flowers

'Crimson Star' 2-3 feet crimson-white flowers

'Double White' 2-3 feet white double flowers

'Spring Song' 3 feet light pink flowers with very long spurs

'Mini Star' 6-12 inches blue-white flowers

 
 
Mature Height
12 Inches - 3 Feet
 
Size
Medium
 
 
USDA Hardiness Zone
3 - 9 
 
Bloom Color
Bi-color
Blue
Peach
Pink
Purple
Red
White
 
 
Bloom Season
May - June
 
Soil Conditions
Moist, Well-Drained
 
 
Exposure/Light Requirements
Full Sun
Partial Sun/Shade
 
 
Foliage Color
Green
 
 
Pests and Problems

Environmental Damage

Fungal Disease

Insect Damage

Insect Relative Damage


Additional pests and problems that may affect this plant:

Leaf miner, mites, powdery mildew, botrytis, leaf spot, aphids
 
Additional Notes

Plants tend to deteriorate over time especially if drainage is poor. Count on 3 years for most plantings. So need to replace periodically.

They tend to reseed freely, but hybrids will not come true from seed.

Attractive to hummingbirds

Many species of columbine are available that tend to be more vigorous and are less favored by leaf miner.

 

 
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
U of IL - Plant Clinic