I have a ton of Columbine. I usually cut them back in the fall. I like that it can self sow. I also collect seeds for my friends also. I am not sure if I am right on doing this.
I am kind of new. My Columbine always comes back.
{{gwi:238152}}

Cut the stems down to about the top of the leaves near the bottom of the plant. You can cut them down even further if you don't want to see any stems but leave a few inches. Water well and they may bloom again for you. I cut mine back last month and I have blooms again. They will die back a bit in summer and then I often get another bloom in fall.

HTH!
Diana

I let the seed pods mature so I get seedlings. Then I cut off the straggly stems that the blooms were on, leaving the pretty foliage at the base of the plant for the rest of the year. It will then die down to the ground over the winter.

Thanks so much!! I'll cut them back and see what happens!