The Columbine plants are herbaceous evergreen perennials. The name Columbine has been derived from Latin word “Columbia” which means doves. The other names for Columbine are Aquilegia, Rocky Mountain Columbine as well as Granny’s Bonnet. The Columbine are a very beautiful species of plant which have graceful flowers that are highly attractive. Due to its attractiveness it adds beauty to the garden and is the favorite of gardeners and is very much recommended by them.

The Columbine plants are grown from seeds and they can be directly sown in the garden. During the spring time the Columbine seeds are sown and they are covered with one by eight inch soil. In between each plant there should be a distance of about sixteen to eighteen inches. During winter these plants don’t require much of protection as they can resist cold.

The Columbine are very easy to grow and all they need is adequate water. They require well drained soil or soil that is a little moist all the time. During summers or days when it is very hot the Columbine plant needs to be watered regularly. The Columbine grow well in partial shade. The Columbine can even tolerate full sun, provided they receive sufficient moisture. They also grow well in average soil and tolerate dry soil conditions. Fertilizer should be added once or twice a season. Organic material should also be added to the soil and using a few inches mulch of will help the soil retain moisture

The Columbine flowers come in variety of colors. The colors of these flowers are blue, white, red, pink or white. Mostly these perennial wild flowers are found in temperate area of the world. Most variety of Columbine has upright and bushy growth habit. The heights of these plants are approximately about one to three inches tall and they are about an inch wide. The Columbine is an annual plant so it dies off after a year. Thus we can say that these perennials cannot be enjoyed for long time.

In order to grow the Columbine the location where it shall grow should be chosen carefully because the Columbines don’t like to be moved, and they don’t grow well in containers because of their long tap roots.

The Columbine are quiet susceptible to pests. If they are affected with these pests, then marks are formed in the leaves. Thus to protect the plant regular care is required. The Columbine plant attract many birds, especially humming birds and bee because the flower contains nectar

The Columbine can be used in decorations and can be used in cut flower borders. Since they are highly attractive and are long lasting so it can be kept in a vase of water. The Columbine flowers are drought resistant so they can be planted on rock gardens or on road sides where it is not possible to water them regularly. Apart from decorative use it has cultural as well as medicinal value also. The Columbine is the state flower of Colorado.