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Columbine Plant Size:
Get the Right Size for You

Updated: April 3, 2023

Columbine is a popular plant with unique and beautiful flowers. It’s a perennial plant that comes in different sizes, and it’s essential to choose the right size for your garden.

In this article, we’ll discuss the different sizes of columbine plants and how to choose the one that’s right for you.

Small Columbine Plants

Small columbine plants are perfect for small gardens or containers. They grow up to 12 inches tall and can spread up to 18 inches wide. The flowers are usually about 1 inch in diameter, making them ideal for adding color and texture to rock gardens.

Some popular small columbine plants include:

  • Dwarf Columbine (Aquilegia flabellata): This variety grows up to 8 inches tall and has blue-purple flowers.
  • Songbird Blue Columbine (Aquilegia x hybrid): This variety grows up to 10 inches tall and has blue flowers.
  • Origami Mix Columbine (Aquilegia x hybrid): This variety grows up to 12 inches tall and has mixed colored flowers.

Medium Columbine Plants

Medium columbine plants are perfect for adding height to your garden without taking up too much space. They grow up to 24 inches tall and can spread up to 18 inches wide. The flowers are usually about 2 inches in diameter, making them more prominent than small columbine plants.

Some popular medium columbine plants include:

  • Blue Barlow Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris ‘Blue Barlow’): This variety grows up to 24 inches tall and has double blue flowers.
  • Nora Barlow Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris ‘Nora Barlow’): This variety grows up to 24 inches tall and has double pink and white flowers.
  • McKana Giant Columbine (Aquilegia x hybrida ‘McKana Giants’): This variety grows up to 24 inches tall and has mixed-colored flowers.

Tall Columbine Plants

Tall columbine plants are perfect for adding height and drama to your garden. They grow up to 36 inches tall and can spread up to 24 inches wide. The flowers are usually about 3 inches in diameter, making them the most prominent of all columbine plants.

Some popular tall columbine plants include:

  • Crimson Star Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis): This variety grows up to 36 inches tall and has red and yellow flowers.
  • Black Barlow Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris ‘Black Barlow’): This variety grows up to 36 inches tall and has double purple-black flowers.
  • Granny’s Bonnet Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris): This variety grows up to 36 inches tall and has blue, pink, or white flowers.

How to Choose the Right Size

When choosing the right size of columbine plant for your garden, consider the following factors:

  • Space: How much space do you have in your garden? If you have a small garden, a small or medium columbine plant would be more appropriate. If you have a large garden, a tall columbine plant would be perfect for adding height and drama.
  • Purpose: What do you want the columbine plant for? Do you want it for adding color to your garden or as a backdrop for other plants? Small columbine plants are ideal for adding color, while tall columbine plants are perfect for creating a backdrop.
  • Maintenance: How much time do you have for maintenance? Small columbine plants require less maintenance than tall columbine plants. Tall columbine plants may need staking to prevent them from falling over.

Conclusion

Columbine plants come in different sizes, and it’s essential to choose the right size for your garden. Small columbine plants are perfect for small gardens or containers, medium columbine plants are ideal for adding height without taking up too much space, and tall columbine plants are perfect for adding height and drama to your garden. Consider the space, purpose, and maintenance when choosing the right size of columbine plant for your garden.

FAQ

Are columbine plants easy to grow?

Yes, columbine plants are easy to grow. They prefer well-drained soil and partial shade.

How long do columbine plants live?

Columbine plants are perennials and can live up to 5 years.

Do columbine plants attract pollinators?

Yes, columbine plants attract bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.