Sand Rockcress

For Western Columbine, watering should be done through a deep soaking 1-2 times a week during the growing season (spring and summer). Soaking the soil and allowing it to dry out between waterings will help the plant develop deeper roots while avoiding issues with root rot. During periods of heavy rain or while the plant is dormant in winter, watering could be reduced or even eliminated.

Western Columbine (Aquilegia formosa) needs around 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day in order to thrive. The best hours are usually the morning hours as the plant can become stressed in high temperatures. Positioning the plant near a south- or west-facing window is most beneficial, while still providing partial shade to keep it out of direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day. In the summer, the plant needs more shade and should be kept from direct sunlight after around 10am.

Western Columbine should be pruned early in the season, immediately after flowering. Prune off faded flower clusters, but avoid cutting stems to the ground as this will reduce flowering on the plant in future years. Prune back stems by up to a third of the height. Removing dead or spent foliage is also helpful for plant health. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Avoid pruning in late summer or early fall as this encourages new growth that won't be able to withstand cooler temperatures.