Columbine.

At a glance

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Perennial wildflower

Light

Partial shade to full sun in cooler climates

Indoor light

bright-indirect

Water

Every 3 to 7 days

Mature size

1-3 feet tall and 1-1.5 feet wide

Growth rate

medium

Hardiness

USDA 3 to 8

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Care

Columbines prefer moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming and prevent self-seeding if unwanted. Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor.

Watering

Water regularly, especially during dry spells, but avoid soggy soil.

Feeding

Fertilize sparingly in spring with a balanced fertilizer.

Pruning

Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering and tidy the plant.

Repotting

Divide and repot overgrown clumps in early spring or fall.

Soil

Rich, well-drained loam

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.5)

Temperature

-34.4 to 32.2°C

Humidity

40 to 60%

Safety

People

Parts of the plant may cause mild stomach upset if ingested.

Pets

May cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested.

Edibility

None of the Aquilegia species are generally considered edible, though some historical uses exist for specific species; it is best to avoid consumption.

How to identify it

• Nodding, spurred flowers
• Fern-like, lobed leaves
• Upright, branching stems
• Delicate appearance
• Variety of flower colors

Height

0.3 to 0.9m

Spread

0.3 to 0.45m

Leaves

Green, Blue-green, semi-evergreen

Flowers

Pink, Red, Yellow, White, Purple, Blue, Bicolor, 3 to 6cm

Common problems

• Leaf miners — Larvae tunnel between leaf surfaces, creating unsightly trails.
• Powdery mildew — White, powdery spots on leaves, often in humid conditions.
• Aphids — Small, sap-sucking insects that can weaken plants and spread disease.

Growing it

Propagation

Seed, Division

When to plant

Spring, Fall

Plant columbines with plants that appreciate similar moisture levels and partial shade, ensuring good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.

Grows well with

• Hostas — Hostas provide lush foliage that complements the delicate blooms of columbine, and they share similar shade preferences.
• Ferns — Ferns create a naturalistic woodland feel alongside columbines, thriving in similar moist, shady conditions.
• Astilbe — Astilbe's feathery plumes offer a textural contrast to columbine's unique flowers, and they both bloom in late spring to early summer.
• Coral Bells — Coral Bells offer colorful foliage and small, delicate flower spikes that pair beautifully with columbines in shaded garden spots.

Keep away from

• Slugs — Slugs can chew holes in the leaves and flowers, especially in moist conditions.
• Spider mites — In hot, dry conditions, spider mites can infest plants, causing stippling and yellowing of leaves.

Similar species

• Siberian Columbine — This species has similar blue or violet flowers and a slightly more compact growth habit.
• European Red Columbine — A common species with a wide range of colors, often featuring double flowers.
• Rocky Mountain Columbine — This native species features striking red and yellow spurred flowers and is well-adapted to drier conditions.

Science

Native range

Temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia.

Columbines are typically found in meadows, woodlands, and rocky slopes, where they benefit from moist soil and dappled sunlight.

Value to wildlife

nectar source

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, hummingbirds

Uses

Ornamental, Cut flowers, Pollinator garden

Questions people ask

Are columbines hard to grow?

No, columbines are generally easy to grow and quite forgiving.

Do columbines spread?

Yes, they can self-seed readily, which can lead to them spreading in the garden.

Can columbines grow in full sun?

They can tolerate full sun in cooler climates but prefer partial shade in hotter regions to prevent wilting.

What should I do after columbines bloom?

Deadheading spent blooms can encourage more flowers and prevent excessive self-seeding.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Aquilegia is derived from the Latin word for eagle, 'aquila', referencing the distinctive spurs on the flowers that resemble an eagle's talons. The common name 'Columbine' comes from the Latin 'columba', meaning dove, likely inspired by the resemblance of the inverted flower to a cluster of doves.

Good to know

• Columbine flowers can attract hummingbirds.
• There are over 100 species of Aquilegia worldwide.
• Native Americans used columbine medicinally.
• They are often grown from seed but can be slow to establish.