Quick Overview
Aquilegia , ordinarily known as aquilegia , is a beloved perennial that adds a touch of elegance to garden with its delicate , bell - form bloom . Toensure optimal growthand flowering , it ’s all important to live how toprune aquilege effectively . This comprehensive guidebook will put up you with all the cognition and techniques you need to maintain a hefty and beautiful aquilegia exhibit .
Understanding Aquilegia Growth Patterns
Aquilegia typically forms a russet scab of basal leaves during its first yr of increase . In subsequent years , it produces upright stanch with fern - like foliation and showy flowers . Themain blooming period occursin spring orearly summertime , abide by by a possible re - bloom inlate summeror pin .
Pruning Aquilegia for Optimal Growth and Flowering
Pruning aquilegia at the right prison term and in the right fashion is crucial for advance sizeable development andabundant flowering . Here ’s a step - by - stone’s throw guideto pruning columbine :
1. Remove Spent Flowers
After the initial bloom period , remove spend flower stalkstoprevent seminal fluid organization . This redirects the flora ’s DOE towards leaf ontogenesis and encourages re - blooming in late summer . cutting thestems backto just above the basal leaves .
2. Deadhead Old Foliage
Inearly spring , before newgrowth emerge , absent any old , yellowing , ordamaged foliation . This promote aviation circulation and reduces the risk of disease . Cut the foliage back to the base of the plant .
3. Divide Overgrown Clumps
If your aquilegia thud have become overcrowded , fraction them in other leap or fall . Dig up theentire clump , carefully separatethe roots , and replant the divisions in well - drain land .
Pruning Aquilegia After Flowering
After themain flowering full stop , follow these additional pruning tips :
4. Cut Back Stems
Cut back themain stemsto about 6 - 8 inch above the earth . This boost newfoliage growthand potential re - blooming .
5. Remove Seed Pods
If you do n’t want your aquilegia to ego - seed , remove anyseed podsthat form after inflorescence . This willprevent unwanted seedlingsfrom appearing in your garden .
6. Fertilize
Apply abalanced fertilizerto your columbine after pruning topromote respectable growthand flowering .
Pruning Aquilegia for Winter Protection
Incolder climates , pruning aquilegiain late fall serve protect it from wintertime terms :
7. Cut Back Foliage
Cut back all foliage to about 2 - 3 inches above the ground . This reduce the risk of snow andice damageto the flora .
What You Need to Learn
1. When is the best time to prune aquilegia?
The best clock time toprune aquilege vary dependingon your clime . In general , prune spent flowers after blooming and off old foliage inearly spring . Divide overgrown ball in former spring or fall .
2. How often should I prune aquilegia?
Prune spent flowers on a regular basis throughout thegrowing season . Remove erstwhile foliage inearly springand separate overgrown clumps every few age .
3. What tools should I use to prune aquilegia?
Use sharp , clean pruning shear or garden scissors tomake sporting cut . Avoid tearing or damaging the plant tissue paper .
