Need to brighten up a moist, semi-shady spot in your spring garden? Consider planting some columbines.
Columbine’s Latin name of “Aquilegia” translates to “dove,” and one look at the elegant, spurred wingtips of the columbine flower will tell you why. Besides the elegant shape of the flowers, the color range of columbines is certainly one of its biggest attractions for gardeners.
Keep in mind that the hotter the area where you plant, the more shade columbines will require. They can take some morning sun, but try to keep them in afternoon shade. All-day dappled shade also works well. Columbines do insist on a nice moist soil. Adding a good organic amendment and mulching will help the soil retain moisture.
Have a patio that’s shaded-and want a colorful container or two? Columbines do well in containers and window boxes. But do keep in mind that they attract hummingbirds and bees. Hummingbirds are fine but if you don’t want bees near your doors, don’t put columbines there!