What to know

Columbines , with theirdelicate flowersandgraceful stems , are a beloved summation to any garden . To ensure a continuous show of blooms , it ’s indispensable to provide the right care and tending . Here ’s a comprehensive template to keep your columbine fly high and bloom all time of year long .

1. Provide Optimal Soil Conditions

Columbines prefer well - drained soilthat ’s rich inorganic affair . remedy the soil with compost or peat moss toimprove drainageand fertility . The ideal pH range for columbines is between 6.5 and 7.0 .

2. Choose the Right Location

Columbines prefer fond spook tofull sun . In areas with hot summers , afternoon shadeis beneficial to prevent scorching . Avoid engraft them in overly wet or poorly drained area .

3. Water Regularly

columbine require regular lachrymation , especially during hot anddry conditions . water supply deep at the base of the plants , avoiding overhead watering which canpromote disease . Allow the territory to dry out out more or less between waterings .

4. Fertilize Sparingly

Fertilize columbines lightly in springiness with abalanced fertilizer . invalidate over - fertilizing , as this can lead toexcessive foliage growthat the disbursement of blooms .

5. Deadhead Spent Flowers

Deadheading expend flowers encourage fresh blooms and prevent the plant from going to seed . Remove theflower headsas soon as they start to fade .

6. Divide Plants Regularly

Columbines lean to decline after a few age . Tomaintain vigorand bloom , divide the plants every 3 - 4 years in spring or fall . cautiously grind up the glob and separate them into diminished naval division . Replant the divisions in overbold soil .

7. Manage Pests and Diseases

Columbines are by and large downcast - maintenance plants , but they can be susceptible to aphids , wanderer pinch , andfungal diseaseslikepowdery mould . Treat pests with insecticidal soap or neem vegetable oil , and ascendency disease with fungicide .

8. Winter Care

Incolder mood , columbines may go dormant during wintertime . Cut back the foliage to the footing in late fall orearly spring . Mulch around the plants to protect them from coarse winter condition .

9. Grow Companion Plants

fellow planting can do good columbines . Plant them near tall , leafy plantslike hostas or ferns toprovide shadeand reduce evaporation . Other companion plants that attract pollinators include lavender , thyme , and rosemary .

10. Encourage Self-Seeding

Columbines readily self - seed , which can aid observe acontinuous universe . earmark someseed headsto mature and fall to the ground . The seedlings can be transplanted or left in place to naturalise .

11. Avoid Overcrowding

Overcrowding can direct topoor gentle wind circulationandincreased susceptibilityto diseases . Space columbines at least 12 - 18 inch asunder to grant for proper growth and blooming .

12. Consider Container Gardening

aquilegia can be turn successfully in container . prefer a throne withdrainage holesand fill it with a well - draining potting mix . Water regularly andfertilize lightlyevery 2 - 3 weeks during the growing season .

13. Protect from Deer

Deer find columbines to be a tasty treat . Protect your plant withdeer fencingor by spray them with a deer repellent .

14. Enjoy the Blooms

Withproper aid , columbines will reward you with an abundance of graceful bloom of youth allseason long . savour their delicate knockout andattract pollinatorsto your garden .

Frequently Discussed Topics

1 . Why are my columbines not blooming ?

2 . What is the best time to divide columbines ?

3 . How can Iprevent powdery mildewon columbines ?