Rock Columbine Aquilegia scopulorum

Utah Columbine is native to the rocky slopes, forests, and meadows in the mountains of Utah and Nevada. It can be found on limestone slopes from 7,000 to 11,000 foot elevations.  Tightly compact and dense mounding foliage is covered with medium blue long-spurred flowers held on short stems in spring. It also reblooms moderately throughout the summer and into fall.  Best grown from seed. Cold stratification (optimal timing undetermined, but 8 weeks seems adequate) is required for maximum germination. Even after stratification, germination can be sporadic and is sometimes low. 

This plant grows best in well-drained soils with low nitrogen, high PH or clay soils that dry out.  Prefers part shade but will do well in full sun with irrigation.  Rock columbine can withstand moderate drought conditions and is a good subject for dry shade or beds and borders in full sun. This species makes an exceptional rock garden specimen.   It is not ideal for humid hot summer areas. 

Rock columbine is one of the most interesting and beautiful species in the genus. Use it as a specimen plant in a rock garden. It can also be used to bring interest to shady areas or to accent other plants in beds, borders, or vertical gardens. Rock columbine is effective in a trough or pot. This plant is amenable to either formal or naturalized designs and can be incorporated almost anywhere in the landscape where a small plant is required.

Insect, Disease, and Other Plant Problems:  Rock columbine is commonly infested by aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew, problems that are common to most columbine species. Aphids seldom reach populations that require control measures, but when they do, control options include insecticidal soap or an appropriate insecticide. Spider mites and powdery mildew affect the plants in late summer as the leaves age. If these pests make the plants unattractive, it is best to remove the old foliage to encourage production of new, attractive foliage.