What soil does Hybrid columbine grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil.

Is Hybrid columbine hardy?

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

When does Hybrid columbine flower?

Flowering: April–June, blue, purple, pink, red, yellow, white.

How much water does Hybrid columbine need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Hybrid columbine cost?

It sells for roughly €2.80 to €7 in local shops, depending on size.

Hybrid columbine

Aquilegia × hybrida

Hybrid columbine (Aquilegia × hybrida) is a perennial. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -40 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about €2.80.

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

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

Long-spurred garden columbines are airy perennials with blue-green, fern-like foliage that carry large, often two-toned flowers in almost every colour in late spring and early summer; bumblebees work them eagerly. They like soil that is moist but never waterlogged and light part shade. They are short-lived, a plant lasting only a few years, but self-seed freely, although the seedlings will not resemble the parent; to keep a strain true, cut off spent stems and replant every few years. When choosing, watch the height: series range from 30 cm dwarfs to 90 cm tall kinds.

Watch out for

The foliage often turns shabby by midsummer or dies back in heat: it can then be cut to the ground and will resprout if watered. Leaf miners chew winding white tunnels in the leaves, and the green larvae of the columbine sawfly can strip a plant in days in late spring. Powdery mildew is common, and leaf spot, rust and aphids occur; in Western Europe aquilegia downy mildew causes serious losses.

Key facts

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

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	70 cm × 40 cm
Ultimate size	30–90 cm × 30–45 cm
Hardiness	down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	April–June, blue, purple, pink, red, yellow, white
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	30 cm
For dogs	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For children	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €2.80

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
10-15 cm	approx. €6
20-40 cm	approx. €7
size not stated	approx. €2.80 – €7

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

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