Columbine (Aquilegia) is a spring perennial with spurred, nodding flowers that hummingbirds and bees love. Iowa State University Extension says heights range from about 1 to 1.5 feet for some species to 2 to 4 feet for others, with hybrids typically 1.5 to 3 feet. It is short-lived but seeds itself freely.
Columbine at a glance
| Type | Flower |
|---|---|
| Season | Perennial |
| Sun | Part shade |
| Plant spacing | 15 in |
| Row spacing | 15 in |
| Per square foot | 1 |
| Seed depth | At surface |
| Days to maturity | Blooms in spring; short-lived |
| How to start | Seed is the best method for species. |
| Water | 1 in per week |
These are the same numbers our plant spacing, square foot and harvest date calculators use. See every crop in the plant database.
When to plant columbine
Seed is the best method for species. Divisions are possible in late summer but difficult because of long, coarse roots; replant them immediately. Check your growing zone and frost dates.
How to plant columbine
- Choose part shade and cool conditions. It can grow in full sun if given plenty of moisture, but flowers are more muted and shorter-lived.
- Use rich, organic, moist but well-drained soil; amend with compost. It struggles in heavy, compacted soil.
- Check spacing with the plant spacing calculator.
Caring for columbine
Columbine is not drought tolerant, so keep the soil evenly moist; see the garden watering calculator. Deadheading can reduce reseeding. Hybrids often do not come true from seed.
Companion plants
| Grow nearby | Hostas, ferns, bleeding heart and other shade perennials |
|---|---|
| Keep apart | Heavy, compacted soil and hot, dry sites |
Hummingbirds and bees favor columbine. Check other pairings with the companion plant finder.
Common problems
| Problem | What you see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Leafminer | White, snake-like trails in leaves by midsummer | A fly larva tunnels inside the leaves. Iowa State says it is not fatal and has little effect on plant health, insecticides do not help, and you can ignore it or cut foliage to the base after flowering. |
| Short life | Plants fade after a few years | Columbine is short-lived; hybrids often last one to three years. Let some seed spread to keep it going. |
Not sure what you are looking at? The plant problem identifier ranks likely causes from the symptoms you see.
When and how to harvest
Columbine is grown for flowers. Seedlings often appear around the garden; hybrids may differ from the parent.
Plan your columbine
- Plant spacing calculator: how many plants fit your bed
- Planting calendar: sowing and transplant dates for your frost dates
- Frost dates by ZIP code: your last spring and first fall frost
- Harvest date calculator: when your crop will be ready
Frequently asked questions
How far apart should I plant columbines?
Space columbines 15 inches apart in rows 15 inches apart. In a square foot garden, plant 1 per square foot.
How deep do I plant columbine seeds?
Plant columbine in part shade at the same depth as its pot, in rich, moist, well-drained soil.
How long do columbines take to grow?
Columbine blooms in spring and usually lasts a handful of years, with hybrids often one to three.
How much water do columbines need?
About 1 inch of water a week, from rain and watering combined. Keep soil evenly moist; columbine is not drought tolerant.
Does columbine reseed?
Yes, freely. Deadheading can reduce it, and hybrids often do not come true.
What are the white trails in columbine leaves?
Leafminer larvae. It is not fatal; cut foliage back after flowering if it bothers you.
How long does columbine live?
It is short-lived, usually a handful of years; hybrids often one to three.