Columbine flower

Aquilegia caerulea - mix

A perennial that forms 50 – 80 cm tall stems bearing beautiful flowers. Primarily cultivated varieties of columbines are grown, characterized by long straight spurs and large flowers in vibrant colors. The original color of columbines is blue. There are many cultivars in white, cream, orange, pink, yellow, red and purple, as well as bi-colored varieties. Blooms from May to July. The plant is suitable for planting in parks, preferably in irregular compositions of natural character. Columbine is primarily a flower of our grandmothers' gardens. In modern architecture, columbines are essential in cottage garden themes. A great feature of columbines is their cross-pollination. They cross not only in nature but also spontaneously in the garden, so you can grow new varieties in your own garden. In the garden, it combines excellently with shade-loving perennials such as bleeding heart, anemones or lily of the valley.

How to grow columbine

• It thrives in partial shade as well as full sun, but not in scorching heat. Requires regular watering, soil loosening and regular monitoring of soil pH. If the soil is too acidic or heavy, amend it with lime and sand. Does not tolerate transplanting. Can remain in the same location for several years.

• Sow seeds in autumn directly into the flower bed. Sow seeds very shallowly. Water immediately after planting.

  Another option is spring sowing in March-April. Sow the small black seeds in special substrate designed for sowing and cover them lightly. Green seedlings will appear in two to three weeks. Young seedlings should have sufficient moisture, but not waterlogging, which could cause the germinating plants to die. The germination temperature should be 20°C. After emergence, move the plants to a cooler room. Then after 4 to 6 weeks, transplant them directly into the flower bed.

• Requires lighter calcareous and moderately moist soils with sufficient humus.

• If the soil is sufficiently supplied with nutrients, fertilization is not necessary. Otherwise, fertilize columbines every week to fortnight with standard fertilizers for flowering garden plants.

• Plants are affected by powdery mildew and gray mold. Appropriate protection is the application of fungicides. Animal pests include slugs and nematodes. Slugs are best removed by hand-picking. Against nematodes, it is advisable to plant marigolds or calendulas near columbines. Sawfly causes defoliation on plants. Appropriate protection is the use of insecticides such as Calypso 480 SC.