Rocky Mountain Columbine
Aquilegia coerulea
Rocky Mountain Columbine (Aquilegia coerulea) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 18–36 in tall and 12–18 in wide, needs medium water, and prefers part to shade. Colorado's state flower; blue + white nodding flowers; classic mountain native.
Colorado nativemedium water18–36 in tall and 12–18 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
Photos
At a glance
- Botanical name
- Aquilegia coerulea
- Type
- Perennial
- Mature size
- 18–36 in tall and 12–18 in wide
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- part to shade
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Bloom color
- blue, white
- Bloom time
- late spring, early summer
- Pollinator value
- high
- Good for
- under conifer
Planting & establishment
Deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Rocky Mountain Columbine good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes. Rocky Mountain Columbine is included in the Front Range Plant Finder as a perennial suited to Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Rocky Mountain Columbine get?
- It matures to about 18–36 in tall and 12–18 in wide.
- How much water does Rocky Mountain Columbine need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- Is Rocky Mountain Columbine native to Colorado?
- Yes — it is a Colorado native.
