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 full sun to partial shade to dappled sun. Colorado's state flower; blue + white nodding flowers; classic mountain native.
Colorado nativeOn the CSU listmedium water18–36 in tall and 12–18 in wideXeric / water-wiseZones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)Deer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: Laura Gaudette https://www.inaturalist.org/people/gaudettelaura, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY)
- Photo 2: Whitney Brook Matson https://www.inaturalist.org/people/whitneybrook, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY)
- Photo 3: Ejohnsonboulder, Wikimedia Commons (PD)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–8
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade, dappled sun. Flowers best with more sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Site uses
- Dry shade under conifers
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 18–36 in tall and 12–18 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~13–18 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- late spring, early summer
- Bloom color
- blue, white
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Native ecoregion
- foothills, montane
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 a well-suited perennial for 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 far apart do I plant Rocky Mountain Columbine?
- Space Rocky Mountain Columbine about 13 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 18 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Rocky Mountain Columbine hardy on the Front Range?
- Rocky Mountain Columbine is hardy in USDA 3–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- 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.
- Is Rocky Mountain Columbine deer-resistant?
- Rocky Mountain Columbine is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Rocky Mountain Columbine a good firewise plant near the house?
- Rocky Mountain Columbine is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- How long does Rocky Mountain Columbine bloom?
- Rocky Mountain Columbine blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
