columbine
Aquilegia (McKana Group)
Overview
One of the world’s most beautiful flowering plants, Columbine (Aquilegia (McKana Group)) is a stunning, old-fashioned flower that is historically linked to humility and grace. Its large, vivid flowers open in early to mid-summer, and are available in a variety of colors, from warm yellow to bright blues, violets to deep reds and white. Its serrated foliage is deeply cut, adding to its overall beauty. With a strong naturalist’s reputation and a unique, lacy bloom, Columbine is a welcomed sight in any garden.
Care Guide
Watering
Columbine (Aquilegia (McKana Group)) should be watered generously, every 5-7 days, depending on the weather. If your Columbine is growing in a container, water it when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. If you're growing it in the ground, water it when the soil is dry 1-2 inches deep. During extreme heat or draughts, you may need to water your Columbine more often. Avoid over-watering, Columbine does not like wet feet. Make sure it doesn't sit in soggy soil or standing water, as this will cause root rot.
Light
Columbine (Aquilegia McKana Group) plants prefer partial to full sun and should be grown in well-draining soil. The soil should have a pH between 5.8–8.0. Depending on the cultivar, Columbine can reach heights of 24–36 inches. Columbine plants do best in 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Generally, it's best to provide early morning sun with some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. This will help protect the plants from scorching in the heat of the day. Columbine plants can also benefit from filtered or indirect sunlight, such as partial shade that is provided by large trees or buildings. This type of light is usually enough for the plants to thrive and flower profusely. In winter, Columbine should receive less light, as the plants need a break from its longer summer growing cycle. During this time, it's best to provide 3 to 4 hours of indirect sunlight per day, and more in the cooler climates of the northern regions.
Temperature
Hardiness zone 3–9.
Pruning
Columbine (Aquilegia (McKana Group)) should be lightly pruned in the early spring, just before active growth begins. This pruning should focus on removing any dead or diseased stems, as well as any shoots that have grown too large or are competing with other stems within the same clump. Additionally, if the columbine has been in the same spot for a few years, it is a good idea to prune it back by a third or more to encourage a flush of new growth. Pruning too hard in any given season can shock the plant, so it is best to prune gradually over multiple seasons.
Propagation
Seed Propagation, Division, Root Cutting, Layering Propagation
Uses & Symbolism
Attracts: Hummingbirds.
Related plants
Other plants you might like if you grow columbine.
