Green Columbine Aquilegia viridiflora

Water

Columbine plants, including Aquilegia viridiflora, prefer evenly moist soil but are quite drought tolerant once established. During the first growing season, watering should be done regularly to help establish a deep, extensive root system. Typically, watering once or twice a week with about one to two gallons per plant should suffice, depending on weather conditions. Once established, columbines can tolerate less frequent watering, but they should not be allowed to dry out completely. During periods of prolonged drought or extreme heat, an additional watering may be necessary to maintain plant health.

Light

Columbine (Aquilegia viridiflora) thrives best in partial shade to full sun, depending on the climate. In cooler regions, the plant can handle more sun, but in hotter areas, it benefits from afternoon shade. A spot that receives morning sunlight and is protected from the harsh afternoon rays would be ideal for this plant.

Temperature

The ideal temperature range for the Columbine (Aquilegia viridiflora) is between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, although it can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees and as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant is cold hardy and can survive frost, but it may struggle in temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit without adequate shade and moisture.

Pruning

Columbine (Aquilegia viridiflora) should be pruned to remove spent flower stems after blooming to encourage a tidy appearance and prevent self-seeding if not desired. Additionally, foliage can be cut back in the fall to reduce the likelihood of fungal diseases. Pruning is typically done annually, or as needed when the plant appears overgrown or unkempt. The best time for extensive pruning is in late fall or early spring.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

For the Green-flowered Columbine (Aquilegia viridiflora), a well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter is ideal. Incorporate equal parts of loam, peat, and perlite or sand to ensure good drainage and aeration. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, falling between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth.

Repotting

The Green-flowered Columbine (Aquilegia viridiflora) typically doesn't need frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years. When the plant shows signs of being root-bound or when the soil seems exhausted and no longer retains nutrients well, repotting is recommended.

Humidity & Misting

The Green-flowered Columbine (Aquilegia viridiflora) prefers moderate humidity levels. Aim to maintain air humidity around 50% for optimal growth. This species does not require overly humid conditions and should thrive in typical household humidity.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Green-flowered Columbine near a bright window and ensure moderate humidity.

• Outdoor

  Choose a site with partial shade and protect from strong afternoon sun.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

Columbine (Aquilegia viridiflora) begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in spring when soil temperatures and moisture levels are conducive to growth. After germination, the seedling emerges and develops a rosette of leaves at ground level during its first growing season. As the plant matures, it develops a deep taproot and a flowering stem in subsequent growing seasons; Columbine typically flowers in late spring to early summer. Following pollination, often by hummingbirds or other pollinators attracted to its nodding, bell-shaped flowers, it produces seed capsules that contain many small seeds. Once the seeds mature, the plant disperses them to the surrounding area, where they can lie dormant until the next favorable growth season. The plant itself may die back in the winter, especially in colder climates, but can resprout from its hardy root system when conditions improve.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Aquilegia viridiflora, commonly known as Green-flowered Columbine, is by seed. Ideally, sowing takes place in late winter to early spring. To propagate, one should first collect the ripe seed pods from the plant as they begin to open. Then, it is important to sow the seeds thinly onto the surface of a well-drained seed starting mix and gently press them into the soil, ensuring they are not buried deeply as they require light for germination. The container should be covered with a clear plastic lid or plastic wrap to maintain humidity and placed in a bright, indirect light area with a temperature around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius). Germination typically occurs within 30 to 90 days. Seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and should be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions before planting them out in their final position.