- Bloom Season: Spring Summer. - Light: Full Sun. - Soil: Well-draining. - The columbine plant (Aquilegia) is an easy-to-grow perennial that offers seasonal interest throughout much of the year. It blooms in a variety of colors during spring, which emerge from its attractive dark green foliage that turns maroon-colored in fall. The bell-shaped flowers are also a favorite to hummingbirds and may be used in cut-flower arrangements as well. - Keep weeds under control during the columbine growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their germination. - Mulches also help retain soil moisture and maintain even soil temperatures. For perennials, an organic mulch of aged bark or shredded leaves lends a natural look to the bed and will improve the soil as it breaks down in time. Always keep mulches off a plant?s stems to prevent possible rot. - Careful watering is essential in getting perennials off to a good start. Water thoroughly at least once a week to help new roots grow down deeply. Soil should be damp at about 1 inch below the soil surface. You can check this by sticking your finger in the soil. Water early in the morning to give all leaves enough time to dry. One inch of rain or watering per week is recommended for most perennial plants. You can check to see if you need to add water by using a rain gauge. - Until plants become established, some protection from extreme winds and direct, hot sunlight may be necessary. Good air movement is also important. - After new growth appears, a light fertilizer may be applied. Keep granular fertilizers away from the plant crown and foliage to avoid burn injury. Use low rates of a slow release fertilizer, as higher rates may encourage root rots. - Do not deadhead unless you want to eliminate self-sown columbine seedlings. - Taller cultivars may need staking. - Columbines are lovely for borders and excellent for naturalizing woodlands. - The blooms make good cut flowers, and the seedpods make interesting additions to dried arrangements. - Compact cultivars may be grown in containers.