How big does Common columbine grow?

About 70 cm × 45 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 0.4–1 m × 30–60 cm.

What soil does Common columbine grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy, calcareous.

Is Common columbine hardy?

Hardy down to -40 °C (USDA zone 3, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Common columbine flower?

Flowering: May–July, blue, purple, pink, white, red.

How much water does Common columbine need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Common columbine cost?

It sells for roughly €4.80 to €9.10 in local shops, depending on size.

Common columbine

Aquilegia vulgaris

Common columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris) is a perennial that reaches 70 cm × 45 cm after ten years. Light: part shade, full sun. Hardy down to -40 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about €4.80.

Illustration of Common columbine — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

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 suits part-shaded beds and the ground under deciduous trees with soil that stays fresh; in baking sun and dry ground it scorches quickly and needs watering through summer drought. Single plants live only a few years, but it self-seeds generously, so the planting renews itself if you let some seed ripen. All parts are poisonous.

Watch out for

Short-lived: plants typically die out after two or three years and the planting persists through seedlings, which may not match the colour of the parent. In the hot, dry summers of Central Europe the foliage yellows and dies back after flowering, and without watering the plant may dry out altogether; cut it to the ground when that happens. Leaf miners and aphids are common, as is powdery mildew, and in cool, damp weather aquilegia downy mildew, for which affected plants have to be removed. Unless you deadhead, seedlings turn up all over the bed.

Key facts

Light: Part shade, Full sun
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 70 cm × 45 cm
Hardiness: down to -40 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–July, blue, purple, pink, white, red

Group	Perennial
Light	Part shade, Full sun
Size after 10 years	70 cm × 45 cm
Ultimate size	0.4–1 m × 30–60 cm
Hardiness	down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	May–July, blue, purple, pink, white, red
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	High
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	35 cm
For dogs	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For children	Toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €4.80

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €4.80 – €9.10

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Perennials for part shade Perennials for full sun Perennials for pollinators Low-maintenance perennials

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