There are about 65 species of columbines. Promiscuous interbreeding of all these species has led to many hybrid forms, some of which are natural hybrids and others which are the result of intentional breeding. With the exception of the somewhat stocky Fan columbine, all columbines have light, airy foliage. Each leaf is composed of three fanlike leaflets which resemble those of the maidenhair fern. The soft mounds of columbine foliage not only enhance the grace and airiness of the flowers hovering overhead, but are themselves attractive in the garden.
Columbines are easy to grow.
They are not choosy about soil and thrive in either full sun or partial shade. Although classified as perennials, columbines often die out after a few years. But new plants are easy to propagate by dividing and replanting old plants in late summer, or by sowing seed. Don't be intimidated by this extra step needed in sowing columbine seeds. The numerous plants that naturally self-sow around established columbine plants are testimony to the ease with which their seeds, especially fresh seeds, germinate.