Fan columbine (Aquilegia flabellata)

Also known as: Fan-leaved columbine, Dwarf columbine, Miyama-odamaki

Lavender is a compact, aromatic plant known for its beautiful purple blooms. This award-winning plant is ideal for the front of garden borders due to its short height. Its flowers, which are abundant in nectar and pollen, are highly attractive to bees.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Fan columbine

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

30 cm

Spread

15 cm

Leaf Color

Green Blue

Flower Size

3 cm

Flower Color

Blue White Purple Cream

Images of Fan columbine

Quickly Identify Fan columbine

Aquilegia flabellata can be identified by its distinctive fan-shaped leaves and nodding flowers. The plant usually grows low to the ground, with flowers that feature five sepals and five petals which are often spurred. Pay attention to the slightly hairy stems and the bright foliage that typically forms a rosette at the base.

Scientific Classification of Fan columbine

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Ranunculales

Family

Buttercup

Genus

Columbine

Species

Fan columbine

Planting and Growing of Fan columbine

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 3 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-70℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

Once a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Terracotta, Plastic

How to Water Fan columbine?

The watering amount for Aquilegia flabellata should be sufficient to moisten the soil thoroughly without leaving it waterlogged. A good rule of thumb is to use about 250ml of water, ensuring that the top inch of soil feels damp to the touch. This level of watering supports the plant's moderate moisture needs, while preventing the roots from becoming soggy.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Fan columbine? ›

What should I do if my Fan columbine is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Fan columbine? ›

How to save an overwatered Fan columbine? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Fan columbine?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun

Duration of light: 3-6 hours of sun

Partial sun, ensuring around 3-6 hours of sun exposure ideally. This ensures that Aquilegia flabellata receives enough light for proper blooming and robust growth while avoiding the risk of being overexposed.

Optimal Sunlight Requirement ›

Solutions for Ideal Lighting ›

Benefits of Ideal Lighting ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Fan columbine?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 70℉

The ideal temperature range for cultivating Aquilegia flabellata is between 60°F to 70°F. This temperature range ensures optimal growth and flowering for the plant. Maintaining this temperature helps in providing comfortable conditions that mimic its natural habitat.

What Soil is Best for Fan columbine?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam, Clay soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Aquilegia flabellata thrives best in well-draining soil which prevents waterlogging, a common issue that can lead to root rot. This ensures the roots receive adequate oxygen and promotes healthy plant growth. The plant benefits from moderately fertile soil, which provides the necessary nutrients for robust flowering. This fertility supports vibrant blooms and sustains the plant's overall health. Aquilegia flabellata requires soil that retains moderate moisture, ensuring the plant does not dry out but also not too wet. Proper moisture facilitates nutrient absorption and strengthens plant structure.

How to Fertilize Fan columbine?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

When considering the adequate amount of fertilizer for Aquilegia flabellata, it's essential to ensure you're not overdoing it. A diluted liquid fertilizer at half strength every two weeks during the growing season is sufficient. For slow-release fertilizers, use a balanced formula applied sparingly: about one teaspoon per square foot around the plant base in early spring.

How to Prune Fan columbine?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Always use sharp and clean pruning shears to make clean cuts. This prevents tearing of the stems and reduces the chances of introducing pathogens. Disinfect tools between cuts, especially if any disease is present. The best time to prune Aquilegia flabellata is immediately after flowering in the spring. Cut back flowering stems to the rosette, as this encourages new foliage growth and possible late-season blooming. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Fan columbine plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring

Collect seeds from mature Aquilegia flabellata plants in late summer. Store them in a cool, dry place until early spring. Before planting, scarify the seeds by rubbing them gently with sandpaper to break the hard outer shell.

Fill seed trays with a good quality seed-starting mix. Sow the seeds on the surface and cover lightly with soil. Water gently to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and place the tray in a warm, well-lit area.

In early spring, choose a mature Aquilegia flabellata plant for division. Using a spade or sharp knife, divide the root clump into smaller sections, ensuring each section has roots and shoots. Replant the divisions immediately in nutrient-rich soil.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Fan columbine plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Aquilegia flabellata should be repotted when you notice roots circling the pot, reduced growth, or decreased flowering. These signs often indicate that the plant is root-bound and needs more space to thrive optimally. Repotting in spring or autumn ensures the plant is not stressed by extreme weather, thus settling into its new home with ease.

Select a pot that is one size larger than the current one, offering good drainage with multiple holes. This prevents waterlogging, which leads to root rot. A slightly larger pot allows the plant's roots to spread without overwhelming them with too much soil, nurturing healthy growth.

Opt for a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. The benefits of such a soil include excellent moisture retention without being waterlogged, which provides necessary nutrients while preventing issues like root rot. This soil type mimics the plant’s natural habitat, ensuring vigorous growth and blooming.

Toxicity

Ingestion

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.