Columbine

Common columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris) is a herbaceous perennial with a native range in western, central and southern Europe. The wild species is usually blue, but garden forms come in purple, mauve, pink and white. Columbines generally have upright or nodding flowers with five petals and long spurs at the back. Although they are perennials, they often last only a few years in the garden.

Size. The mature plant is about 1.6 to 3.3 feet (0.5 to 1 m) tall and 4 to 20 inches (10 to 50 cm) wide.

Sowing. Start seeds indoors about 8 to 10 weeks before the last spring frost, then move the seedlings outside after the last frost. Seeds can also be sown outdoors once the soil has warmed to 65 °F (18 °C). The plant can be propagated by seed sown in spring, late summer or early autumn.

Germination. Refrigerate the seed for 5 days before planting. Seedlings typically emerge in 21 to 28 days when kept at 70 to 75 °F (21 to 24 °C). Light helps germination, so barely cover the seed.

Light. Common columbine grows in full sun or partial shade. It prefers part shade and cool conditions, and in full sun it needs plenty of moisture.

Seed quality. Columbines cross freely, so seedlings may not resemble the parent, and hybrids often don’t come true from seed. Division is possible in late summer, but it is somewhat difficult.

Watering and feeding. Keep the soil evenly moist and mulch to keep it cool, since columbine is not drought tolerant. Feed with an all-purpose, complete fertilizer in spring as the leaves emerge, and again when flower buds form. Deadheading can reduce self-seeding. Cut the plant back after flowering.

Aphids may affect the plant, and it may be susceptible to powdery mildews and aquilegia downy mildew. Leafminers are the most common pest; they leave white streaks in the leaves, but the damage rarely affects the plant’s health and insecticides are of little help. Crown rot can develop in poorly drained soil, so choose well-drained ground.

Flowers make good cut flowers for spring arrangements, and the seed capsules dry well for arrangements.