Caring for Columbine

Columbine has a moderate water need and prefers soil that stays evenly moist but never waterlogged. Water regularly during dry spells in spring and summer, especially while plants are flowering or newly planted. Once established, columbine tolerates short periods of drought, though prolonged dryness will cause foliage to wilt and flowering to suffer. In autumn and winter, natural rainfall is usually sufficient. Feed in March and April to support strong growth and abundant flowers. Scatter a general-purpose granular fertiliser such as blood, fish and bone around the base of each plant at the manufacturer's recommended rate, then water in. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which promote lush foliage at the expense of flowers. A second, lighter feed immediately after flowering can help replenish the plant, but is not essential. Columbine is fully hardy and needs no winter protection in temperate Europe. The crown may remain semi-evergreen in mild winters, but even if top growth dies back completely the plant will reshoot reliably in spring. Mulch around the base in autumn with garden compost or leaf mould to suppress weeds and improve soil structure. The most common pest is the columbine sawfly, whose pale green larvae skeletonise leaves in late spring and early summer. Inspect plants regularly and pick off larvae by hand, or spray with an organic insecticide if infestations are severe. Powdery mildew can appear on foliage in dry summers; improve air circulation by thinning congested clumps and water at the base rather than overhead. Leaf miners occasionally tunnel through leaves, causing pale blotches; remove and destroy affected foliage promptly.