Common columbine and Hybrid columbine are often considered for the same spot in the garden (flowers, pollinator friendly). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Aquilegia vulgaris 70 cm × 45 cm after 10 years
A graceful perennial with nodding, spurred flowers in blue, purple, pink or white in late spring and early summer above blue-green, lobed leaves. It…
Aquilegia × hybrida 70 cm × 40 cm after 10 years
Long-spurred garden columbines are airy perennials with blue-green, fern-like foliage that carry large, often two-toned flowers in almost every colour…
Common columbine needs less care than Hybrid columbine.
|
Feature
|
Common columbine
|
Hybrid columbine
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Perennial | Perennial |
| Size after 10 years | 70 cm × 45 cm | 70 cm × 40 cm |
| Ultimate size | 0.4–1 m × 30–60 cm | 30–90 cm × 30–45 cm |
| Growth rate | Medium | Medium |
| Light | Part shade, Full sun | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous | Average garden soil |
| Hardiness | down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7) | down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Flowering | May–July, blue, purple, pink, white, red | April–June, blue, purple, pink, red, yellow, white |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Low | Low |
| Maintenance | Low | Medium |
| Planting distance | 35 cm | 30 cm |
| For dogs | Mildly toxic (uncertain) | Mildly toxic (uncertain) |
| For cats | Mildly toxic (uncertain) | Mildly toxic (uncertain) |
| For children | Toxic (uncertain) | Mildly toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €5 | approx. €5 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 8, 2026
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