About Columbines

Columbines are charming perennials known for their delicate, nodding flowers and attractive foliage. Don’t let their dainty appearance fool you—columbines are tough perennials that show best in shady, cooler climates where their uniquely shaped blooms attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. Planting them from bare roots can be a rewarding experience.

When to Plant Columbine Roots

Plant your columbine roots in the spring after the last frost and when the ground can be worked. This gives the roots time to establish before the summer heat sets in.

Where to Plant Columbine Roots

Columbines thrive in partial shade, where cooler temperatures produce more flowers. Columbines do not appreciate hot, humid summers which will cause the plant to go dormant. Make sure plants are provided afternoon shade for protection from the sun.

Columbine plants prefer well-drained, humus-rich soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Choose a shady spot and incorporate compost to enhance soil fertility.

How to Plant Columbine Roots

Loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches and mix in compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged before planting. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the root system without bending. Position the roots with the crown (where roots meet stems) at or just below the soil surface. Fill the hole with soil, firming gently to eliminate air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots. Add more soil if necessary.

Space additional columbine roots one to two feet apart to allow for their mature size.

New growth should appear within a few weeks, depending on planting time and conditions.

How to Care for Columbines

Columbines typically bloom in late spring to early summer, when they can enjoy cool mornings and afternoons in the shade. Maintain consistent moisture around the plant, especially during establishment. Do not allow water to pool and remain standing, this will cause root rot. 

Cut columbine plants back to their healthy base leaves immediately after blooming. This can encourage a second round of stem growth within a few weeks, providing another wave of blooms later in the season. To maintain the plant’s appearance, you can also trim columbines to about half their height after flowering, keeping them neat and green throughout the summer. Then, cut back hard in the fall. In colder regions, apply mulch after the ground freezes to protect roots.

Allowing the plant to go to seed will promote many volunteer seedlings the following year, if desired.

Watch for leaf miners and aphids; treat infestations promptly.