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Columbine

Columbine

Aquilegia vulgaris · Ranunculaceae

📷 Ermell · CC BY-SA 4.0

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

Ideal time to plant columbine: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.

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ID card

Foliage
Deciduous
Flowering
Spring to early summer (May-June)
Adult size
24-32 inches tall × 18-24 inches wide
Growth
Moderate
Hardiness
Very hardy (-13°F)
Origin
Europe, Western Asia
Soil type
Well-drained, slightly moist soils, rich in organic matter

Expert tips

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The key tip

L'ancolie prospère en sol riche et bien drainé, avec un apport de compost à la plantation. L'arrosage doit être régulier les deux premières saisons pour établir un système racinaire profond, puis elle devient très autonome. Supprimez les fleurs fanées pour prolonger la floraison et éviter un semis excessif.

The common mistake

La plupart des jardiniers surchargeant l'ancolie meurt d'excès d'eau en hiver ou en sol compacté ; elle préfère un drainage net même en période humide.

The pro's trick

Laissez quelques fleurs montées en graines la première année : l'ancolie se ressème seule et vous obtiendrez des semis gratuits aux alentours, souvent avec des teintes surprises. C'est aussi le meilleur moyen d'avoir une présence continue sans replanter.

Seasonal watch

En printemps humide et doux, surveillez les altises des feuilles (petits trous ronds) et surtout l'oïdium en fin d'été si l'air stagne. Une bonne circulation d'air et un coup de sécateur rajeunisseur après la floraison réduisent ces soucis.

Care

Watering

Water regularly during growth to keep the soil moist but well-drained. Reduce watering after flowering. Avoid stagnant moisture which encourages fungal diseases. A mulch helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Exposure

Plant your columbine in partial shade or dappled shade for optimal flowering and preserved foliage. It tolerates full sun in cold regions, but prefers shelter from intense afternoon summer sun. This plant appreciates semi-shaded areas beneath deciduous trees.

Soil

Prepare rich, well-structured soil that is slightly moist, enriched with compost or potting mix. Columbine dreads waterlogging: check drainage carefully. A neutral to slightly alkaline pH is ideal.

Fertilizing

A dose of well-decomposed compost in spring is usually sufficient. You can add diluted balanced fertilizer when growth begins. Avoid excess nitrogen which promotes lush foliage at the expense of flowers.

Pruning and maintenance

Remove faded flowers to extend flowering and prevent excessive self-seeding. Cut the plant down to ground level in late fall or early winter after foliage dies back. Clean regularly to remove diseased leaves.

Diseases and pests

Watch for powdery mildew and rust in case of excessive humidity: improve air circulation. Slugs and snails can damage young shoots: install barriers or traps. Waterlogged soil promotes root rot.

Did you know?

Common columbine is immortalized in medieval and Renaissance art, symbolizing wisdom and virtue. Its Latin name 'Aquilegia' means 'eagle,' referring to its pointed petals that resemble the talons of this bird. Once cultivated in monastery gardens for its presumed medicinal properties, it is toxic in large quantities.

Where to buy it

Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.

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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.