Hi naturegirl,
I replied to your PM with some help for the rudbeckia question. I looked up columbine and this is what I found.
They tend to go somewhat dormant during the hot summer months, after blooming. May also loose most or all of their leaves for awhile. After they bloom and the
seeds drop, people customarily cut to them to the ground just above the crown from which the foliage emerges. It causes the
plants to generate new lower-
growing foliage for the summer.
They need rich, well drained soil and like light to moderate shade.
They are short lived perennials, and often decline and die after about 3 yrs.
Look at the base of your
plant for life.
They reseed easily.
Hope this helps.