Rocky Mountain Columbine (Aquilegia caerulea) is an award-winning and popular native wildflower in the Intermountain West. The distinct long-spurred, two-toned flowers bloom white and blue/purple in the late spring and early summer, putting on a beautiful show for about 4-6 weeks. These flowers are a must for high elevations and mountain gardens, but will do well in lower elevations if placed in some shade and given regular irrigation. Plant in garden beds, borders, cottage gardens, shade or woodland gardens, or containers. Rocky Mountain Columbine also makes a good cut flower and will last up to 2 weeks in a vase with proper care.
Rocky Mountain Columbine
Native to Cache County: Yes
Irrigation Requirement: Moderate (1/2" every 7-10 days)
Mature Size: 12 - 18" tall and 12 - 15" wide
Spacing: 9 - 12" apart
Bloom Colors: White and Blue/Purple
Bloom Season: May - June
Hardiness Zone: 3 - 10
Light Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Shade (requires shade if planting at lower elevations)
Deer Resistant: Yes
Salt Tolerant: Unknown
Soils: Adaptable to well-drained sandy, loamy, or clay soils. Prefers more fertile soils.
Plants in the Aquilegia family support 2 known pollinators in the Cache Valley area.