Columbine is easy to grow in loose, average to rich, well-drained soil. Heavy or soggy soils will hasten their demise. They can be grown in full sun or partial shade, though light shade will prolong the flowering time. In the fall, cut plants back to their basal foliage. In the spring, remove only the dead leaves. Columbine is sometimes affected by leaf miners. If this happens, cut the foliage all the way back to the ground and discard it. Healthy, new growth will emerge quickly. Propagate by sowing named seed rather than by division; mature plants do not like to be disturbed.

Aquilegia is especially lovely when allowed to naturalize in shady, woodland borders. They also have excellent potential as cut flowers.

Columbine is easy to grow in loose, average to rich, well-drained soil. Heavy or soggy soils will hasten their demise. They can be grown in full to partial sun, though light shade will prolong the flowering time.

Most Aquilegia are short-lived and begin to deteriorate in 2-3 years. When the plants become very woody at the base and foliage and blooms lose vigor, replace with newer plants. The flowers of this plant will reach a height three times that of the foliage. Aquilegia readily drops seeds and self sows given ideal soil conditions. Seedlings will vary from mother plant. If severe leaf miner problems exist, remove all foliage because the plant will grow new foliage in a few weeks.

Soil Condition: Sandy, Loamy, Well drained, Neutral ph, ph adaptable
Environmental: Tolerates moderate drought
Pests: Aphids, beetles, borers, caterpillars, leaf miners, nematodes, whiteflies
Diseases: Gray mold blight, leaf spots, rusts, rots