did you know?

The columbine's spurred blossoms are aptly described by its botanical name from either the Greek for "water container," or from the Latin for "eagle." The spurs resemble eagles' claws or Greek urns, which were pointed at the bottom and buried underground to keep their contents cool.

symbolism:

In the language of flowers, purple columbine signifies resolution.

general maintenance:

Columbine freely self-sows. Seed heads are very attractive. Deadhead after bloom if seedlings are not desired.

pests/diseases:

Powdery mildew in hot, dry summer; aphids; and leaf miners may occur.

controls:

Cut back in the heat of summer to control mildew and to renew foliage in cool fall weather. Control leaf miners by removing damaged foliage after bloom.

how to sow/plant:

Plant in spring or fall, starting with new plants or from seed. Choose a sunny to partly shady site with moist, well-drained soil, and amend with well-rotted manure or compost. If planting from seed, broadcast or lightly cover with soil. After 18?24 days, thin seedlings to be 18 inches apart. From seedlings: Set plants at the same depth they were in the pots, spacing 18 inches apart. Water upon planting, and mulch to conserve moisture.

water and fertilize:

Monitor soil moisture all season, watering as needed. In early spring, feed with an all-purpose fertilizer during active growth, following package directions.

garden hint:

Columbines are short-lived perennials, so allow the plants to reseed. The seed can be direct-sown in a flower bed in late July to early August and will grow and flower the following spring.

features:

• Attractive Flowers
• Attractive Foliage
• Attractive Fruit
• Attracts Hummingbirds
• Shade Tolerant

garden uses:

• Flowerbed borders
• Naturalizing
• Shade Woodland Garden

other uses:

• Cut Flower

combine with:

chameleon spurge ( 'Chameleon'), white bleeding heart ( 'Alba'), or red valerian