| Perennial
Cultivation:
The "Rocky Mountain Columbine" or "Colorado
Columbine" was adopted as the Colorado state flower in
1899. This beautiful perennial native plant can be found
growing wild throughout the Colorado Rocky Mountains. It is
illegal to dig the plants or pick the flowers on public lands.
Established Columbine plants are difficult to transplant so you'd
be better off buying pre-stared plants.
Plant Rocky Mountain Columbines in full sun to partial shade in fertile, moist well drained
soil. Columbines will grow better if planted in an
area that is shaded from hot mid day sun. Feed monthly during the growing season with a
balanced liquid fertilizer or apply a time release granular feed
twice a season.
Many cultivars of
"Columbine" are profuse re-seeders yielding a new crop
of volunteers each spring that can be easily transplanted.
Propagation:
The "Rocky Mountain Columbine" can easily be grown from
seed. Seed needs to be chilled for three weeks prior to planting
in spring. Seed may be planted in fall for following spring growth.
Columbine planted from seed will take 2 seasons to mature and
flower.
For much quicker growth purchase pre-started Rocky Mountain
Columbine plants at
your local Garden Center. Space new container grown plants 10" to
12" apart depending on how quickly you want the area to fill
in.
Potential pests ~ diseases:
Aphids or powdery mildew.
Related Articles: How
to Grow and Care for Columbines
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