I love the columbines and they love your climate so you can plant these perennials in sun or part shade. They do need good drainage so loosen the soil to a depth of at least 8 inches and make sure they are not placed in a low or damp part of the garden. Do not add a lot of compost to the soil at planting time either. Alpine plants like the Aquilegia like a loose and lean soil with less compost than most perennials. Enjoy those spectacular blooms in the spring. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti