These self-seeding perennials are cold hardy plants with woodland charm.
Plus, hummingbirds are a big fan.
Mike Jensen
Columbineflowers are truly unique.
Credit:Mike Jensen
With their dangling bell-like shape and spurs at the back, nothing else is quite them.
Because the columbine flower blooms in almost every color, theseeasy-to-grow perennialsare popular garden plants.
They also seed themselves around the yard.
Credit: Kindra Clineff
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, includingmoist woodlandsand rocky alpines.
Where to Plant Columbine Flowers
Depending on the species, ideal conditions can vary.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
The more common types are usually native to woodlands.
They do well in rock gardens and cottage gardens, and most species are drought-tolerant.
The best way to plant columbine is with seeds gathered from existing plants.
Credit: Denny Schrock
Togerminate seeds, scatter them on top of soil in containers and lightly cover them with more soil.
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.
Credit: Mike Jensen
Backfill with soil, tamp lightly, and water well.
Continue to water regularly as the plant establishes itself.
Space multiple plants 10-15 inches apart.
Credit: Justin Hancock
Columbine Flower Care Tips
Columbines are easy-to-grow perennials that need little care.
Check which pop in 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.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
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.
Credit: Jay Wilde
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.
Next, fill the hole with water.
Credit: Greg Ryan
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.
So if you’re growing columbine in a garden with hot and humid summers, give them afternoon shade.
Credit: David McDonald
Some species go dormant in the summer and will grow foliage back in the fall.
Choose a plastic or composite resin pot to help retain moisture, as columbine requires consistently moist soil.
Columbine can tolerate winter cold down to zone 3 and benefits from cold dormancy.
Credit: Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke
For protection, wrap the container in burlap or move the pot to a sheltered, open spot.
Pests and Problems
Leaf miners will leave their mark on columbine’s leaves.
Spray them with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Credit: Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke
To prevent powdery mildew, space columbine plants well apart for better air circulation.
How to Propagate Columbine Flowers
Columbines are relatively short-lived perennials that reseed heavily in the garden.
Often, they revert to simpler types and common colors.
Zones 3-8
Canadian Columbine
Aquilegia canadensisbears red-and-yellow nodding blooms.
It has ferny foliage and grows 3 feet tall.
Its blossoms are most commonly blue and white, although a pink-and-yellow variant is also available.
It prefers light to moderate shade.
Phlox
Phlox aresummer flowersgreat 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.
Some self-seed but not aggressively, and they gradually become large clumps.
Zones 4-9
Foamflower
Foamflower isa plant for all seasons.
Foamflower prefers high-humus soils but can grow in other soils.
Cold-Climate Shade Garden Plan
Sub-zero winters don’t have to mean dreary gardens with thiscold-climate gardenplan.
You’ll need just 8 to 10 plants for a garden that has 360-degree visual appeal.
Birds also like to snack on their seedpods in the fall.
Even though columbines are self-seeders if they’re not pruned and deadheaded regularly, they’re not considered invasive.
North Carolina State University Extension.
