Photo: H. Zell, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Perennial
Alpine columbine: when and how to prune
Aquilegia alpina
Alpine columbine is best pruned in March and July.
| Pruning months | March and July |
|---|---|
| Flowering | May–June |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
| Poisonous to people and pets | Yes, take care with children and pets |
Alpine columbine: when to prune it?
It needs hardly any pruning. In July, after flowering and after collecting seed if you wish, cut back old stems and tatty leaves; in March, clear away dead leaves.
Alpine columbine: how to prune it?
- Cut spent stems back to the leaves at the base.
- Leave a few stems until the pods turn brown if you want it to self-seed.
- Remove foliage damaged by leaf miners or powdery mildew completely; it soon regrows.
- In March, carefully remove old leaves without touching the crown.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: March and July. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Alpine columbine flowers in May–June, when it attracts bees.
Caution: If other columbines grow nearby, seedlings are often hybrids with a less clear blue. Alpine columbine is poisonous: wear gloves and keep clippings away from children, pets and livestock.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Alpine columbine · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.