The best locations to plant Columbine include woodland habitats, naturalized areas, butterfly gardens, hummingbird gardens, shady garden borders, native gardens, pollinator gardens, cottage gardens, and rock gardens. It also does well along walkways.

When first planted, Columbine should be watered weekly for first few months, unless at least an inch of rain has been received in the last week to help it get established. After it becomes established, Columbine does not require regular watering, HOWEVER, continuing to water after bloom will extend the foliage period. In dry locations, the plant will otherwise go dormant.

As with most perennials, Columbine can be cut to the ground after foliage browns. Deadheading is the best management strategy to control its spread. Columbine freely self-seeds and can create a nice groundcover.