Aquilegia/Columbine

Nothing conjures up memories of old-fashioned gardens like columbines, which are native to just about everywhere.  Most popular in the U.S. today are the European hybrids, which are large flowered, 1 to 3 feet tall, and dwarf varieties are also available, as are hybrids with double flowers. The simpler North American columbine, A. canadensis, is beautiful in a less showy way and a real magnet for hummingbirds.

 

Details

• Bloom late spring into summer in a wide range of colors.

• Sun or partial shade with average moisture.
• Most are hardy to Zones 3-8.
• Easy to start from seed.
• Short-lived (only 3-4 years), so let go to seed; cross-breeding occurs with the seedlings.  They're at their peak in second year.

Care

• Cut back when foliage turns yellow.
• Because of its long taproots (like carrots), it's quite drought-tolerant, despite its delicate appearance.  
• Another consequence of its taproot is that it doesn't respond well to be moved.

Good Information in Print

• The Well Tended Perennial Garden by Tracy DiSabato-Aust is the best-selling book on how to make your perennials healthier and better-looking.
• Encyclopedia of Perennials by Graham Rice is exhaustive and an outstanding general resource on the subject.
• The Complete Flower Gardener by Cutler and Ellis is another source I consult regularly.

 

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all content and photos are © Susan Harris unless specified otherwise