Image: AI generated
Common Columbine Plant Care
Aquilegia vulgaris L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Aquilegia vulgaris is a species of perennial flowering plant of the genus Aquilegia (columbine) in the family Ranunculaceae. Commonly called the common columbine, European crowfoot, and granny's bonnet, it presently possesses the most expansive range and greatest morphological variability in its genus.
Every 7–10 days
Partial shade to full sun
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Common Columbine?
Water Common Columbine every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial shade to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Common Columbine?
Common Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris) belongs to the Ranunculaceae family within the Aquilegia genus. Common Columbine is also known as Granny's Bonnet, European Columbine.
Common Columbine displays an upright, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Common Columbine produces unique spurred flowers in various colors like blue, purple, pink, yellow.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Common Columbine?
Aquilegia vulgaris requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Common Columbine Need?
Common Columbine thrives in partial shade to full sun.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Common Columbine Prefer?
Aquilegia vulgaris grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Common Columbine prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Common Columbine?
Moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Common Columbine to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Common Columbine?
Feed Common Columbine every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Common Columbine?
Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Common Columbine?
Common Columbine can be propagated through seeds.
Is the Common Columbine Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Common Columbine, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Common Columbine?
Common Columbine is susceptible to aphids, leaf miners, slugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Common Columbine Need?
Common Columbine grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Common Columbine is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Aquilegia genus — compare its care with other Aquilegia species on PlantoScan.
Aquilegia is part of the Ranunculaceae plant family — browse all Ranunculaceae genera and species.
Common Columbine thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Aquilegia vulgaris L., family Ranunculaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 533 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Common Columbine, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 3a – 8b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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