Columbines (March Bloom)

Columbines (*Aquilegia*) are beautiful and delicate flowers that thrive with the right care. Here are some tips to ensure healthy growth:

### **Planting and Location**

- **Light:** Columbines prefer partial shade to full sun, depending on your climate. In hotter regions, provide more shade to prevent heat stress.

- **Soil:** Well-draining soil is essential. They like slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6-7) enriched with organic matter.

- **Spacing:** Plant them about 12-18 inches apart to allow for proper airflow and prevent fungal issues.

### **Watering**

- Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. Avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of mildew.

### **Fertilizing**

- Columbines are light feeders. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to more foliage than flowers.

### **Pruning and Maintenance**

- Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage reblooming.

- Trim the foliage back in late summer if it becomes tatty or after the plant has finished blooming.

- In colder climates, leave the foliage until spring for winter protection.

### **Pest and Disease Management**

- Watch out for aphids and leaf miners. Neem oil or insecticidal soap can help manage these pests.

- Ensure good airflow and avoid overcrowding to prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew.

### **Propagation**

- Columbines self-seed readily, but to ensure specific varieties, collect seeds when seed pods dry and replant them in early autumn or spring.

- Alternatively, divide mature plants every few years to rejuvenate growth.

Columbines pair beautifully with shade-loving perennials like hostas and ferns, creating a natural woodland look.

If you're growing them for the first time, they can take a season to fully settle in, but once established, they’re resilient and rewarding! Are you trying out a specific variety?

Columbines come in a stunning array of colors, making them a favorite for gardeners seeking variety. Here are some common and eye-catching options:

- **Single Colors:** Columbines can be found in pure shades like white, yellow, red, pink, blue, or purple. 

- **Bicolor Varieties:** Many columbines feature a combination of colors, such as:

 

 - Blue and white

  - Pink and yellow

  - Red and white

- **Unique Shades:** Some varieties also offer softer tones, like lavender or peach, or even more dramatic, almost-black purples.

For instance:

- The *Aquilegia caerulea* (Rocky Mountain Columbine) often showcases blue and white tones.

- The *Aquilegia canadensis* (Eastern Red Columbine) sports red with yellow centers.

- The *Aquilegia vulgaris* varieties, like the "Black Barlow," offer deep, dramatic colors.