Growing Aquilegia (Columbine): Hummingbird Favorites for Spring

Growing Aquilegia (Columbine)

Pronunciation: ak-wee-lee'jee-uh

Columbines are floriferous, compact perennials with graceful flowers beloved by hummingbirds. Hardy in zones 3–9, they bloom early to mid-spring in solid colors and bicolors (pink, red, blue, purple, yellow, white). Foliage ranges from bright green to blue-green, attractive in border when not in bloom. Long-lasting cut flowers, admired for delicacy and soft colors. Somewhat short-lived but often self-sow.

Light and Watering

Drought-tolerant once established; best in evenly moist soil in partial shade, though full sun works with sufficient water.

Fertilizer, Soil, and pH

Thrive in average, well-drained soil, slightly acid to neutral. Light fertilizer in early spring benefits them.

Pests and Diseases

Leaf miners leave white serpentine trails. Handpick affected leaves at first sign; cultivate around dormant plants in early spring to disrupt overwintering. Columbine sawfly larvae (small green caterpillars) can defoliate quickly—handpick or spray with soap spray when leaves emerge. Unsightly foliage can be cut back entirely after bloom for fresh growth.

Companions

Lovely with Ferns, Tiarella, Campanula, Alchemilla, Phlox divaricata, Pulmonaria in light shade. Dwarf varieties suit trough and rock gardens; larger cultivars enhance herbaceous borders.

Reflowering

Devout deadheading encourages new buds along stems, extending bloom to six weeks. Some varieties short-lived but most self-sow if some flowers left to mature.

Dividing and Transplanting

Transplant easily with generous soil and water. Dividing old clumps often disappointing; seed-grown plants take 1–2 years to bloom and don’t come true from open-pollinated seed. Buying mature plants guarantees desired variety.

End-of-Season Care

Cut foliage back in fall, remove debris to discourage overwintering pests. In freeze-thaw cycles, plants may heave; mulch with salt marsh hay or evergreen boughs in late fall.

Calendar of Care

Early Spring: Light balanced or slow-release fertilizer or compost side-dressing. Supplement nitrogen during prolonged rain. Water if unseasonably dry.

Late Spring: Watch for leaf miners; handpick or cut foliage to ground after flowering if severe. Inspect for sawfly larvae; handpick or spray. Watch for aphids; spray with soap. Mulch as soil warms. Divide if desired (not required).

Summer: Remove unwanted seedlings (hybrids may not come true). Move desirable species seedlings. Deadhead to extend bloom and prevent self-sowing. Groom yellow/dead leaves.

Fall: Cut foliage to soil level. After ground freezes, mulch to prevent heaving.