Most columbine plants are cool season, spring blooming plants with unique flowers. Rising high above the lobed green to gray green foliage are spikes of flowers, usually facing down with elongated narrow spurs reaching behind. However, there are some varieties that face outward or upwards, do not have spurs, or have double flowers. Available in many colors, columbine plants are ideal for shady wooded areas, but some do well as rock garden plants. The erect, dried brown seed heads are comprised of five capsules that burst open to reveal many dark black small seeds. This plant self-seeds and crosses with other columbine plants. Although a short-lived perennial, the self-sowing make it appear that the plants last for years in the garden. Columbine flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and hawk moths. The plant is deer resistant and toxic for humans, dogs, and cats if ingested.
Plant Attributes Care LightDepending on the species, these plants like woodland conditions of partial shade or rock garden conditions of full sun.
SoilMoist but well drained soil for the woodland lovers and very well drained soil for those that prefer rock garden conditions.
WaterMoist except for those that like rock garden conditions, then it is dry.
Temperature and HumidityPrefer the cool spring temperatures to bloom but foliage will remain in hot summers.
FertilizerNo fertilizer needed.
Types of Columbine PlantsThere are many species in this country and many hybrids/cultivars.
Aquilegia canadensis (Eastern red columbine)Relatively tall at 2-3 feet, Eastern red columbine has red and yellow flowers with spurs. It is the only red columbine that occurs in eastern Northern America and is a critical food source for the
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