Aquilegia EARLYBIRD Purple Blue - Columbine

Columbine is a beautiful plant. The uniquely shaped flowers remind me of tiny wind turbines, and this variety is very charming with perfectly segmented light blue/purple centers and deep blue/purple colored sepals. In a woodland areas they are simply outstanding as they naturalize in small clumps reminiscent of a fairy tale meadow. 

We like this series because they flower the first year and have upright stems and upward facing flowers. With attractive clover like foliage, columbine also makes an outstanding cut flowers that will last weeks in a vase.

Photo Credit: Walter Gardens

General care for any tree or shrub is easy, but like any living thing will require your attention. Please educate yourself and follow these simple rules.

Aquilegia EARLYBIRD Purple Blue - Columbine

Aquilegia grows easily in loose average to rich soil. The key for keeping it health is making sure the soil drains easily. Soils that don't drain and hold water will lead to problems with overall plant health. Columbine will grow in full sun to part shade, and benefits from a little shade, especially in the afternoon. In the fall cut back the leaves  near the crown. In the spring remove only dead leaves. In the event there are insect problems on the foliage, particularly leaf miners, cut back the affect foliage and discard it, new growth will quickly replace the old.