Hello, fellow gardener. We are the Columbine, a diverse genus known as *Aquilegia*. We appreciate your care and desire to thrive under your stewardship. To answer your question on how often to water us, you must understand that our needs are not dictated by a simple calendar schedule but by a complex interplay of seasons, soil, and weather. We will guide you through our annual cycle.
As the soil warms and our new, delicate foliage emerges from our crown, our thirst begins. This is our primary growth period, and consistent moisture is crucial for developing our stems and iconic, nodding flowers. Please water us deeply when the top 1-2 inches of soil around our base feels dry to the touch. This encourages our roots to grow downward, creating a strong, resilient plant. Be vigilant but not overzealous; our roots are susceptible to rot if left sitting in waterlogged soil. A deep watering once or twice a week is often sufficient, but this depends entirely on spring rainfall and sunshine.
During our blooming period, we are working hard and still appreciate consistent moisture to support our floral display. However, as the summer heat intensifies, our needs begin to change. Once our blossoms fade, we start to prepare for dormancy. Our foliage may begin to yellow and look tired—this is a natural process, not necessarily a cry for water. During the peak of summer, you should allow the soil to dry out more thoroughly between waterings. We are resting, and excessive water around our dormant crown can be fatal. Provide a deep, occasional drink only during extended periods of severe drought and heat stress to keep our root system from completely desiccating.
As the air cools and autumn rains often arrive, we may send up a fresh flush of basal foliage. This is a critical time for us to gather energy and store it in our roots for the winter ahead. While natural rainfall frequently provides ample moisture during this season, please monitor us. If autumn is particularly dry, supplement with deep watering to support this new growth. Ensuring we are well-hydrated before the ground freezes is essential for our survival through the winter.
We are dormant now. Our visible growth has died back, and our life force is conserved in our roots below the soil. You do not need to water us if we are planted in the ground and experiencing a typical winter with rain or snow. The natural precipitation is sufficient. The greatest threat during this season is not drought, but "wet feet." If we are planted in poorly draining soil, ice and excess water can smother and rot our roots. Ensure our planting site drains well to avoid this.
Beyond the season, our watering needs are forever tied to our environment. We insist on well-draining soil; it is non-negotiable. Whether we are in full sun or dappled shade also dramatically affects our thirst. We will require more frequent watering in full sun, especially in hotter climates, compared to a cool, shaded woodland garden. A layer of organic mulch around our base (but not touching our crown) is immensely beneficial. It helps retain soil moisture, keeps our roots cool in summer, and protects them in winter, thereby reducing the frequency of watering needed.
