This perennial wildflower is a native to most temperate areas of the world. The foliage is light and delicate. Columbines prefer light shade and moist soil, but they can tolerate full sun, provided they receive sufficient moisture.
Columbines do best however, when they are grown in moist, rich, well drained soil in light shade.
These one to three foot high plants generally begin blooming in early to mid-May and will often continue through June if the flowers are removed as they fade. Columbines are a favorite flower for hummingbirds, and are excellent additions to the rock garden, or as a native woodland planting. They tend to cross-pollinate, hybridize, and self seed freely, creating new strains and colors. However, the formation of seeds will shorten the productive lifespan of the plant, so it is best to remove the spent flowers promptly. Columbines tend to lose vitality after 3-4 years and are best replaced at that time.