Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris)

Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source

Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant

Columbine: when and how to prune

Aquilegia vulgaris

Columbine is best pruned in July.

Key facts
Pruning monthsJuly
FloweringMay–June
Native to BelgiumYes

Columbine: when to prune it?

In July, after the seed has set.

What else to prune in those months? July

Columbine: how to prune it?

  1. Let a few seed pods ripen and scatter the seed.
  2. Then cut the flowering stems and old leaves back to just above the ground.
  3. Within a few weeks a new, fresh clump of leaves grows that stays attractive into autumn.

How much to cut, and how often?

  • One pruning period a year: July.

What does it mean for wildlife?

  • As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.

Caution: Wear gloves: the plant is poisonous.

Nearby: related pruning guides

Plant profile: Columbine · Pruning calendar and basic rules

This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.

Laden…