dry soil will take its toll, as will overly
wet soil, which leads to crown rot.
Avoid locations with hot afternoon
sun. Taller forms will need staking. If
columbine gets infested with borers,
dig out and destroy the entire plant.
Plants can be divided, with care, in the
summer, although it usually is not
required. Columbine is short-lived,
normally persisting only 3–4 years.
Natural hybridization will occur
between species. Planting in different
areas of the garden can reduce the
cross-hybridization. Also, planting
among other perennials that will fill in
after the columbine is finished
flowering will help to hide ugly or
cut-back foliage.
related plantS Aquilegia McKana
Group (hybrids) are commonly
available 30-in.-tall plants, usually
requiring staking.
Aquilegia Biedermeier Group are
compact 12-in. cultivars. No staking
needed.
Aquilegia alpina, alpine columbine,
is my favorite species. Will seed, but
not to nuisance level. Grows 18–24 in.,
needs no staking, and is longer lived.
Aquilegia canadensis, Canadian
columbine, reseeds heavily to colonize
an area. Native, easy to grow, less
troubled by leaf miner.
Aquilegia flabellata, fan columbine,
is 8–12 in. high, requires no staking,
and is longer lived.
Aquilegia vulgaris, granny’s
bonnet, is a classic form often found
in old gardens.
Aquilegia hybrids