Songbird Blue Jay Columbine

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

20-28 Inches

Mature Spread

1.5-2 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 9

Reminiscent of the feathers of a blue jay, the violet blue and white uniquely shaped blooms of the Songbird Blue Jay Columbine will greet you with upturned faces as you walk in your garden. Unlike most columbines that nod facing downward, the Songbird series of Aquilegia face upwards. Sporting huge 3 inch blooms with bright yellow stamens, white petals with blue centers give way to violet blue outer petals that sport spurs on the back, creating an intriguing form as well as the beautiful clean colors. ‘If you’ve got it, flaunt it’ as the saying goes.

Columbines are native to the Northern Hemisphere and have naturalized in woodlands across the United States. They are hardy in Zones 3 to 9, which covers all but the very tip of southern Florida in the Lower 48 states. Success in growing columbine requires just a few steps and they are considered an easy care perennial. Bees, hummingbirds and butterflies are all attracted to the nectar in these beautiful flowers so they make a great addition to a wildlife garden. Although they tolerate full sun conditions, columbines will bloom just a little longer when given some afternoon shade.

Songbird Blue Jay Columbine Care

Native columbines grow in profusion in humus rich forest edge soils. Well-draining soil is the key to successfully growing these part sun to full sun perennials. Avoid soggy, heavy soils, and provide a light, moist rich growing medium. Once established, columbine will need little from you in the form of maintenance. Once the blooms are done for the fall, the plant can be cut back to the basal leaves. In the spring, remove any dead or yellowed leaves. Preferring a soil pH of 5.8 to 6.2, columbines will self sow freely when in the environment that meets their needs. Fertilize with a general purpose fertilizer at least once a season for best performance. Water regularly during dry weather and apply well composted organic material to keep the soil moist.

Deadheading is not required but you can remove spent blossoms if you do not want the plant to set seed and spread. They will bloom from spring to early summer, typically ceasing bloom during the extreme heat of summer. When planted in containers, be sure to water and fertilize on a regular schedule and don’t expect them to overwinter successfully in a container. Plant in your cottage or informal garden, massed in your landscape as a border or in your cut flower garden for a beautiful display.

Songbird Blue Jay Columbine Spacing

Growing to about 28 inches tall and 24 inches wide, columbine will appreciate when you space them about 18 to 24 inches apart. This gives air circulation and room to grow. Generally rabbit resistant, you can plant these lovely perennials in your woodland edge garden with great success.