This spring flower has several known names such as aquilegia or
columbine. The genus name Aquilegia is derived from the Latin
word for eagle (aquila), because the shape of the flower petals
are said to resemble an eagle's claw."Columbine" is derived from
the Latin word for pigeon (columba) (resource: wikipedia).The
blooming season here at the Adelaide plain is usually from
October to November. I found that it does not survive well in
dry soil and needs to be in semi-shade during summer for long
longevity. But it does need sun to bloom profusely.It can be
perennial if it is grown in a right location. This plants can
self-sow easily and you get many volunteers for give-away if
left them to seed. Usually propagated by seeds. However,
division from well-established plant during dormant season can
also be a success. I found that the seeds germinate better at
the end of fall~ early winter. The seedlings might flower in
next spring or have to wait for next year spring (makes it 1 1/2
year in this case). The foliage