Columbine

Botanical Name

:

Aquilegia spp.

Plant Type

:

Herbaceous perennial

Seasons

:

Plant in early spring or fall; Blooms in spring and summer

Sun Level

:

Partial shade or full sun in cooler regions

Ideal Soil Temperature for Planting

:

70–85°F (21–29°C)

Soil Type

:

Sandy, loamy, moist but well-drained

Hardiness Zones

:

3–8 (USDA)

Germination

:

Seeds take 21–28 days to germinate

P.H. Level

:

Neutral to slightly acidic

Water/Irrigation

:

Maintain consistently moist soil (avoid sogginess) for young plants; water when the top 1–2 inches of soil become dry

Fertilization

:

Fertilize monthly throughout the growing period for optimal growth

Habit

:

Clumping and mounding

Propagation

:

Division, seeds

Final Plant Height

:

1–3 ft (30–90 cm)

Spread

:

1–2 ft (30–60 cm)

Flowers

:

Red, orange, yellow, blue, purple, violet, pink, white

Attracts

:

Hummingbirds, hawk moths, butterflies, and sweat bees

Uses

:

Ideal for cottage gardens and woodland settings; beautiful as cut flowers; works well in rock gardens and along borders

Companions

:

Hostas, Allium, daylilies, foxglove, heuchera, iris, and poppies

Pruning

:

Cut back to half of their height after flowering

Toxicity

:

Seeds and roots can be toxic to humans

Pests

:

Leafminers, sawflies, spider mites, fungus gnats, fruit flies, and mealybugs

Diseases

:

Flower and leaf blight, botrytis cinerea, and gray mold

Additional Info

:

Mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature