Columbine in November: monthly care

Columbine requires very little pruning, but a couple of seasonal tasks will keep plants tidy and vigorous. The main pruning window falls in March and November, though some light deadheading can be done during the flowering season in late spring and early summer. After flowering finishes, usually by mid-summer, cut back the spent flower stems to just above the basal foliage. This prevents the plant putting energy into seed production and often encourages a modest second flush of leaves, keeping the clump looking fresh. If you want columbine to self-seed—and it does so readily—leave a few stems intact until the seed capsules have ripened and split. Be aware that seedlings from garden hybrids will vary in colour and may revert toward the wild purple-blue of Aquilegia vulgaris. In November, once foliage begins to yellow and collapse, cut back all stems to ground level. This autumn tidy-up reduces hiding places for pests such as sawfly larvae and helps prevent fungal diseases overwintering on dead leaves. Alternatively, you can leave this job until early March, especially if the foliage remains semi-evergreen through a mild winter; some gardeners prefer the structure that dried stems provide in the winter border. Use clean, sharp secateurs for all cuts. Columbine stems are soft and cut easily, so there's no need for loppers or saws. Always remove any damaged, diseased or mildewed foliage as soon as you spot it, regardless of season, to limit the spread of problems within the clump.