Aquilegia Species, Rocky Mountain Blue Columbine

Plants and seeds sold or exchanged as Aquillegia saximontana in seed exchanges and in the horticulture trade are typically actually Aquil...Read Moreegia flabellata, or at best, hybrids.

Aquilegia saximontana is distinguished by spurs that diverge, like the points on a jester's hat. The spurs never curl in, as on A. flabellata, another small alpine columbine.

A. saximontana and A. jonesii have significantly different bloom times, and the chances of hybridization are essentially nil. Again, supposed hybrids between A. saximontana and A. jonesii in horticulture are the subject of misidentifications.

Small perennial from Utah and Colorado USA.

Has divided (2 ternate), blue green leaves. Bears outward facing or pendant, l...Read Moreavender blue flowers with a cream corolla and short spurs.

Flowers May-July

Likes a well drained but moist soil in full sun. Will tolerate some partial shade. Doesn't appreciate too much winter wetness.

Makes a nice rock garden subject.

Makes a lovely hybrid with A jonesii.