How much sun does Colorado Blue Columbine need?

Colorado Blue Columbine grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Colorado Blue Columbine bloom?

Colorado Blue Columbine blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Colorado Blue Columbine native?

Colorado Blue Columbine (Aquilegia coerulea) is native to AZ, CO, ID, MT and 5 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Colorado Blue Columbine toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Colorado Blue Columbine as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Colorado Blue Columbine attract?

Colorado Blue Columbine draws bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.

Is Colorado Blue Columbine HOA-friendly?

Colorado Blue Columbine is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Colorado Blue Columbine

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Aquilegia coerulea

Last reviewed: June 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Colorado Blue Columbine as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CO, ID, MT and 5 more states

Pollinators

bees, hummingbirds, butterflies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Basin and Range

Colorado Blue Columbine is an elegant perennial wildflower with distinctive spurred blue and white blooms that appear in late spring through summer. This compact plant forms neat clumps of delicate, divided foliage and works well in partially shaded garden beds. The flowers are prized for their unique shape and attract a variety of pollinators throughout the blooming season.

In an HOA neighborhood

Colorado Blue Columbine is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Foliage dies back in winter
May self-seed if not deadheaded

Wildlife value

The nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds during the extended bloom period from May through July. The plant provides valuable early to mid-season pollinator support when many other native plants are not yet flowering.

Common questions

How much sun does Colorado Blue Columbine need?: Colorado Blue Columbine grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Colorado Blue Columbine bloom?: Colorado Blue Columbine blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Colorado Blue Columbine native?: Colorado Blue Columbine (Aquilegia coerulea) is native to AZ, CO, ID, MT and 5 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Colorado Blue Columbine toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Colorado Blue Columbine as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Colorado Blue Columbine attract?: Colorado Blue Columbine draws bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.
Is Colorado Blue Columbine HOA-friendly?: Colorado Blue Columbine is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Colorado Blue Columbine? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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