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How to Grow Aquilegia 'Songbird' - Columbine

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Aquilegia 'Songbird' - Columbine

Aquilegia × hybrida 'Songbird'

flower

Aquilegia 'Songbird' is a hybrid columbine featuring elegant, nodding flowers with distinctive backward-projecting spurs in shades of blue, purple, pink, red, and white. This award-winning cultivar series produces masses of flowers from late spring through early summer and maintains attractive ferny foliage throughout the growing season. The plant is beloved by hummingbirds and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens.

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Example Aquilegia 'Songbird' - Columbine timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Aquilegia 'Songbird' - Columbine

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Aquilegia 'Songbird' - Columbine blooms

    Mid-to-late summer

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

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Growing Conditions

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Sun: Partial shade to full sun; tolerates 3-6 hours of sun daily; afternoon shade beneficial in zones 7-8
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Water: Moderate and consistent moisture; water deeply 1-2 times per week; avoid waterlogging; mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool
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Spacing: 18-24 inches
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Days to maturity: 60-90 days from seed to flowering; typically flowers in second year from seed
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Planting depth: Seeds surface-sown or lightly pressed into soil (needs light to germinate); transplants planted at soil level

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Compost Peat moss or leaf mold Perlite for drainage Aged manure

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 3-8; prefers cooler climates and may struggle in hot, humid summers

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b

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Growth Stages

1

Seed and Germination

2-3 weeks to germination; 6-8 weeks indoors before transplanting

Small seeds requiring light and cold stratification; seedlings develop fine cotyledons

Stratify seeds 3-4 weeks in cold; sow on soil surface indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost; keep moist and cool; provide bright indirect light

2

Seedling and Establishment

4-8 weeks after transplanting

Young plants develop feathery foliage; slow initial growth in first year

Harden off gradually before transplanting outdoors; plant after last frost; keep consistently moist; mulch around base; support with stakes if needed in windy locations

3

Vegetative Growth

Spring through early summer (first year); varies in subsequent years

Plant builds root system and foliage; attractive fern-like leaves emerge; may not flower in first year from seed

Water regularly during dry spells; apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch; deadhead any early flower buds to encourage root development; apply balanced fertilizer monthly

4

Flowering

4-8 weeks, typically May-June

Numerous delicate flowers with distinctive spurs appear; colors range across cultivars; hummingbirds attracted to nectar

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming; provide consistent moisture; stake taller varieties; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues

5

Seed Set and Decline

6-10 weeks; extends into midsummer

Flowers fade; seed pods develop; foliage may decline in hot weather; plant may self-seed

Allow some flowers to remain for seed collection and self-seeding if desired; cut back if foliage becomes shabby; reduce watering as growth slows

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Hosta Helleborus (Lenten rose) Astilbe Brunnera Coral bells (Heuchera) Ferns Primrose Bleeding heart (Dicentra) Geranium Lamium (Deadnettle)

Avoid planting near:

Aggressive spreading perennials that may shade out seedlings Plants requiring very dry conditions Dense groundcovers that prevent self-seeding

Common Pests

  • Handpick affected leaves; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects; remove damaged foliage

  • Remove infested leaves; spray with spinosad; maintain plant vigor; reduce overhead watering

  • Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; spray with sulfur or fungicide if severe; remove heavily affected foliage

  • Spray with strong water stream; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage ladybugs and lacewings

  • Increase humidity; spray with water; apply neem oil; ensure adequate moisture in soil

Uses

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Edible Flowers

Culinary

Aquilegia flowers are mildly toxic in large quantities due to cardiogenic glycosides but have been used in small amounts as garnish in some culinary traditions. Use sparingly and only petals, never other plant parts. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Medicine

Medicinal

Historically used in folk medicine for various ailments; modern herbalists exercise caution due to potential toxicity. Contains compounds that may have anti-inflammatory properties in very small doses. [source]

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Pollinator Magnet

Wildlife

Excellent nectar source for hummingbirds and butterflies; provides food for bees and other beneficial insects. The distinctive spurred flowers are specifically adapted for hummingbird pollination. [source]

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Cut Flowers and Arrangements

Household

Delicate, long-lasting cut flowers ideal for bouquets and floral arrangements; adds elegant texture and color to mixed displays. Harvest in morning for longest vase life. [source]

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Seed Saving and Propagation

Craft

Prolific seed producer; easily collected and shared with other gardeners; seeds readily germinate, making it rewarding for plant enthusiasts and seed savers. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Aquilegia 'Songbird' is grown for ornamental flowers and foliage, not harvested for crops. Cut flowers last 5-7 days in a vase if harvested in early morning when stems are turgid. Collect seed pods in late summer when they dry and turn brown; cut clusters and hang in paper bag to dry further, then extract seeds. Seeds remain viable for 1-2 years if stored cool and dry.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 The distinctive backward-projecting spurs on Aquilegia flowers are specifically adapted for hummingbird pollination; the bird's long beak reaches nectar at the spur tip while pollinating the flower.
  • 🌱 The name 'Aquilegia' derives from the Latin 'aquila' meaning 'eagle' because the spurred petals resemble an eagle's talons or claws.
  • 🌱 Aquilegia 'Songbird' series won the Fleuroselect Gold Medal, one of horticulture's highest honors, for its exceptional ornamental qualities and garden performance.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Deadhead Full Sun Hybrid Mulch Partial Shade Transplant
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