Aquilegia 'Blue Butterflies' is a gem: This choice plant is perfect for edging a border, rock gardens, and containers. The flowers are a rich purplish blue with white edges and are beautifully offset by the lovely blue-green leaves. Delightful. Provide winter protection in Zones 5 or colder.
Aquilegia is native to regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. The genus comprises about 70 species of perennials, most commonly known as Columbine, which thrive in USDA hardiness Zones 3 through 8. Noted for their distinctive, bell-shaped flowers with elongated, backward-extending spurs, Aquilegias bloom in late spring to early summer, offering hues ranging from blue and violet to red, yellow, and white. These charming flowers attract a variety of pollinators, particularly hummingbirds and bees. Columbines prefer partially shaded locations but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates, and they flourish in well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Plants self-seed readily in the garden, which can lead to delightful, naturalized drifts of color. The attractive foliage and unique blossoms make Aquilegia a favorite in woodland garden settings and cottage gardens.
For more information on the growing and care of Aquilegia, click Growing Guide.
