Columbine

Columbine (Aquilegia) come in a variety of colors and grow best in part shade. The name "columbine" comes from the Latin word for "dove." They bloom in early spring around the same time as bleeding hearts. I planted several colors but ended up this year with primarily pink and white.

They come up as perennials from the roots and also self-sow by seeds. Aquilegia canadensis L. is a red columbine native to the eastern half of the United States and Canada.


The only pest problems I have with these occurs after they have started blooming into early summer. Leaf miners worm their way through the leaves causing tremendous damage. The plants still come back strong year after year and bloom early before the leaf miner problem begins.