Columbine Flower

Its bell-shaped flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds and can be found in numerous single and bi-colors.

With blooms appearing from late spring through early summer, Columbines grow well in hardiness zones three through eight.

In late summer through fall, the foliage remains attractive, turning and remaining a maroon or deep purple color through the winter.

Columbine is a native to Europe, Asia and North America and is the state flower of Colorado, sometimes called the Rocky Mountain Columbine.

Columbine Flower Characteristics

Most varieties of Columbine grow from eighteen to twenty-four inches tall, but there are dwarf varieties that grow only five to twelve inches tall and hybrids that can reach thirty inches, with larger flowers.

Because of this variety of heights, Columbine could easily be used in a bed by themselves or incorporated into a bed of other perennials.

They work well in rock gardens, woodland settings, cut flower beds and containers.

Grow them in open area where they will draw hummingbirds into the garden. They make beautiful cut flowers and have a light fragrance.

They are available in an array of single and double flowers in shades of white, pink, purple, red and even a dark ruby color.

Growing Columbine Flowers

Seeds can be sown directly in a garden bed in early spring through mid-summer. These will not bloom until the following spring.

Space the seedlings about sixteen inches apart and cover with a scant 1/16 inch of soil, as they germinate better and faster in light.

Starting seeds indoors requires planting the seeds in flats or pots and refrigerating for up to three weeks, then providing 75 degree temperatures for them to germinate.

Select a location in partial shade, with well drained, moist, rich garden soil and fertilize only one or two times throughout the growing season.

Though the plant will adapt to less than perfect conditions, better results are achieved with better growing conditions.

If the plant receives direct sunlight, which it will tolerate, you'll need to water more frequently.

If you purchase established plants, they will bloom the first season planted if planted in spring.

Established plants in the garden bed can be divided in the spring as needed.

Columbine is a hardy perennial and will survive a light frost before going dormant for the winter.

The roots are thick and will absorb and hold water. Once established, the plants are drought-tolerant.

The plant is resistant to most insects and diseases, except the leaf-miner.

Marks are the leaves show damage and should be removed and discarded. Do not put these diseased leaves in a compost pile to prevent contamination spreading.

Once the flowers are spent, remove them to extend the blooming season and before they start to produce seeds.

Columbines do not last more than three or four years and should be replaced when they lose vitality.

Seeds from plants are easily cross-pollinated, and will probably not produce a true copy of the parent plant. New seeds or plants should be used to replace older plants.

For variety of size and colors, Columbine flowers are a favorite of cottage gardens, woodland gardens, rock gardens and containers. It's a beautiful addition to any garden.