Columbine
Aquilegia hybrids

This is an upright plant growing from 1-3 feet tall and producing attractive blue-green foliage. Columbine prefers full sun to partial shade in moist soils that have excellent drainage. Overly moist soil for any length of time results in short lived plants. They will not tolerate dry soil and light shade will help to prolong bloom quality. They have a tendency to reseed themselves. Columbine blooms during the spring and early summer. An insect called leaf minor is a common pest often making the foliage unsightly. If this is a problem, cut the plants back to the ground and allow new leaves to develop a fresh mound of foliage. Cultivars to look for include 'McKana Hybrids', 'Biedermeier Strain' and 'Music'.

Zones 3-9

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