Aquilegia, also known as columbine, is a beautiful perennial plant that can add a pop of color to any garden. In terms of size, Aquilegia typically grows in a bushy, upright clump that can reach heights of 18-36 inches (45-90 cm). This makes it a great choice for mid-sized to larger gardens, as it can add height and structure to the landscape.
In addition to its height, Aquilegia also spreads outwards, forming a clump that can spread to about 16-20 inches (40-50 cm) in diameter. This means that when planting multiple Aquilegia plants, it’s important to give them enough space to grow and expand. If planted too closely together, they may compete for resources and not reach their full potential.
It’s worth noting that while Aquilegia is a perennial, it is generally considered to be short-lived. However, one of the unique characteristics of this plant is its ability to self-seed prolifically. This means that once established, Aquilegia can produce a large number of seeds that will germinate and grow into new plants. This can result in the formation of large colonies of Aquilegia in favorable growing conditions.
I have personally witnessed the self-seeding behavior of Aquilegia in my own garden. I initially planted a few plants, and over the years, they have multiplied and spread, creating a beautiful display of colorful flowers. It’s quite fascinating to see how nature takes its course and allows these plants to propagate and establish themselves.
To summarize, Aquilegia can grow to heights of 18-36 inches (45-90 cm) and spread to about 16-20 inches (40-50 cm) in diameter. While it may be short-lived, it has the ability to self-seed and form large colonies, creating a stunning display in the garden.
