Columbine flowers are truly unique. With their dangling bell-like shape and spurs at the back, nothing else is quite them. Because columbines bloom in almost every color, these easy-to-grow perennials are popular garden plants. They also seed themselves around the yard.
These happy plants bloom near the end of bulb season, adding a splash of color just when your garden needs it. Their delicate blue-green foliage also makes a beautiful statement in the garden. In Zones 3-9, 60 to 70 species grow in many different environments, including moist woodlands and rocky alpines.
Columbine Overview
Where to Plant Columbine Flowers
Depending on the species, ideal conditions can vary. For example, columbine has several alpine species that do best in cool weather, full sun, and well-drained soils. The more common types are usually native to woodlands. They do well in rock gardens and cottage gardens, and most species are drought-tolerant.
How and When to Plant Columbine Flowers
Columbine flowers should be planted in the garden or containers in early spring or fall. The best way to plant columbine is with seeds gathered from existing plants. To germinate seeds, scatter them on top of soil in containers and lightly cover them with more soil. Set pots in a sunny location, and in a few weeks, seedlings will sprout to 3 or 4 inches, and they'll be ready to be planted outdoors.
For nursery plants, dig a hole about the same width and depth as the planting container. Remove the plant and loosen the roots a bit from the root ball before placing in the hole. Backfill with soil, tamp lightly, and water well. Continue to water regularly as the plant establishes itself. Space multiple plants 10-15 inches apart.
Columbine Flower Care Tips
Columbines are easy-to-grow perennials that need little care.
Light
Most columbine flowers grow best in partial shade, but some will do fine in full sun. Check which type you're growing for the correct amount of light it needs. Partial sun is 4 to 6 hours of direct sun, both morning and afternoon. Part shade is 4 to 6 hours of direct sun per day, mostly morning sun.
Soil and Water
Columbines prefer neutral and evenly-moist soils. No columbine flowers like to stay wet for an extended period of time. If they're wet too long, they'll rot. Good drainage is essential to the columbine's health, so avoid clay soil when planting them.
To determine if soil has good drainage, dig a hole about 12-18 inches wide and 12-18 inches deep (it doesn't have to be exact). Next, fill the hole with water. Once it's drained, refill it with water and wait for it to drain again. The level should drop about an inch per hour in soil with good drainage.
Temperature and Humidity
It's important to remember that columbine flowers are cool-season perennials, especially the alpine varieties. So if you're growing columbine in a garden with hot and humid summers, give them afternoon shade. Some species go dormant in the summer and will grow foliage back in the fall.
Fertilizer
Use liquid fertilizer for columbine flowers; if blooms aren't satisfactory, use an NPK fertilizer. Follow the product label directions for the amount to use. Fertilize once a month during the growing season for healthier plants.
Pruning
Sometimes, if you prune back columbine flowers to their healthy base leaves after the first bloom, you'll get a second wave of flowers. Cut them back by half at the end of the blooming season to keep the plant looking pretty, even without its flowers.
Potting and Repotting Columbine Flowers
Columbine makes a good potted plant, but container-grown plants may require extra water and fertilization. Select a pot with excellent drainage that can accommodate the mature size of the plant. If you are growing your columbine from seed, start with a small grow pot and transplant it to a larger pot after it germinates and gains a few true leaves.
A single columbine plant will need a pot at least 12 inches in diameter for the first few years. You can also grow multiple columbine plants together in a larger pot; just make sure to space them about 12-18 inches apart. If you live in an area with especially cold winters, choose a container that can stand the winter chill without cracking (like concrete, wood, metal, resin, or fiberglass).
Use a well-draining, all-purpose potting mix and, if you like, add a layer of mulch to help the plant retain moisture. Keep your potted columbine in a spot with partial sunlight (like a shady patio). Feed your columbine with a balanced liquid fertilizer twice during the growing season and water regularly. Container-grown columbine may need more frequent watering during warmer months. If the top 2 inches feel dry, water your plant until the excess runs freely through the drainage holes.
Columbine does not need to be moved inside during winter months (a period of dormancy is helpful for vigorous growth), but you can transplant your columbine to a larger pot (if necessary) in early spring. When uprooting your plant from its old pot, work carefully to keep the long, delicate roots intact to prevent transplant shock.
Pests and Problems
Leaf miners will leave their mark on columbine's leaves. If you see their "doodles," pick through the leaves and crush the larvae. Aphids and sawflies are other pests that can be found on columbines. Spray them with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
For fungal infections such as powdery mildew, remove the affected leaves and apply a fungicide to control the spread.
How to Propagate Columbine Flowers
Columbines are relatively short-lived perennials that reseed heavily in the garden. Because they may be crossing with other varieties of columbines, most seedlings generally don't look much like the immediate parents. Often, they revert to simpler types and common colors. If you want to preserve a specific variety, it's best to weed out any unwanted seedlings and keep the main plant as happy as you can.
If you divide columbine, recommended for every two to three years, be sure to dig deep to get the entire root. Divide the plant down to the root and replant one half in the existing hole while replanting the other half elsewhere.
Types of Columbine Flowers
'Blue Barlow' Columbine
Aquilegia vulgaris 'Blue Barlow' has interesting, shaggy-looking double flowers that dangle over finely divided foliage. Zones 3-8
Canadian Columbine
Aquilegia canadensis bears red-and-yellow nodding blooms. It has ferny foliage and grows 3 feet tall. Zones 3-8
'Melba Higgins' Columbine
Aquilegia 'Melba Higgins' grows 24-30 inches tall and bears midnight blue flowers on blue-green foliage in midspring. Zones 4-8
Rocky Mountain Columbine
Aquilegia caerulea, the state flower of Colorado, is native throughout much of the Rocky Mountain West. Its blossoms are most commonly blue and white, although a pink-and-yellow variant is also available. Zones 3-8
'Spring Magic Navy and White' Columbine
Aquilegia 'Spring Magic Navy and White' produces bold blue-and-white flowers on a compact 14-inch-tall plant. Zones 4-8
Yellow Columbine
Aquilegia chrysantha is native to the Rocky Mountains of New Mexico and bears yellow flowers in spring over lovely bluish-green foliage. It prefers light to moderate shade. Zones 3-8
Columbine Companion Pants
Phlox
Phlox are summer flowers great for any large sunny flowerbed or border. There are several different kinds of phlox, and all types attract birds to the garden. Phlox need amply moist soil for the best overall health. Zones 4-8
Toad Lily
Toad lilies are Asian blooms with orchid-like flowers that bloom when the garden is winding down in fall. They grow best in light shade in humus-rich soil that retains moisture and are suitable for borders or less formal parts of the garden and among shrubs. Some self-seed but not aggressively, and they gradually become large clumps. Zones 4-9
Foamflower
Foamflower is a plant for all seasons. Use them as edgings or accents at the front of borders, or plant them close as groundcovers in lightly shaded woodland gardens. Foamflower prefers high-humus soils but can grow in other soils. Zones 3-9
Columbine Garden Plans
Cold-Climate Shade Garden Plan
Sub-zero winters don't have to mean dreary gardens with this cold-climate garden plan. It features colorful perennials like astilbe and bleeding heart as well as low-growing perennial geranium and lady's mantle alongside large, dramatic blue-green hostas.
Easy-Care Island Bed Garden Plan
Break up the monotony of a drab green space with an island of blossoms anchored by a small ornamental plum tree. You'll need just 8 to 10 plants for a garden that has 360-degree visual appeal. Plus, you'll get seasonal splashes of color from weigela and pink snakeweed as well as bellflower, aster, and evening primrose blooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are birds attracted to columbine?The long spurs on columbine's flowers contain nectar, so not only do birds find columbine irresistible, but so do bees and butterflies. Birds also like to snack on their seedpods in the fall.
The long spurs on columbine's flowers contain nectar, so not only do birds find columbine irresistible, but so do bees and butterflies. Birds also like to snack on their seedpods in the fall.
- Are columbines invasive?Even though columbines are self-seeders if they're not pruned and deadheaded regularly, they're not considered invasive.
Even though columbines are self-seeders if they're not pruned and deadheaded regularly, they're not considered invasive.