Aquilegia canadensis - Columbine
Aquilegia canadensis - Columbine
Aquilegia canadensis - Columbine
Aquilegia canadensis - Columbine

Aquilegia canadensis - Columbine


Full SunPart ShadeButterfly FriendlyDeer ResistantBird Friendly
DESCRIPTION
Columbine
Aquilegia canadensis

Deep red and yellow nodding, bell-like flowers bloom in late spring, attracting hummingbirds and other pollinators. Low maintenance and deer resistant, it is a perfect companion for spring bulbs and puts on a great show when grouped. This is a good choice for shade gardens, woodland gardens, rock gardens, and naturalized areas.

Benefits

  • Deer resistant
  • Resists leaf miners
  • Self-sows and naturalizes
  • Attractive groundcover post-bloom
  • Attracts butterflies, bumblebees, and hummingbirds
NATIVE INFO

Native Range

In the Eastern US and Canada south to the Gulf of Mexico and west to the Plains States.

Map Credit: The Biota of North America 
Map Key: Green (native), Teal (native, adventive), Blue (present), Yellow (present & rare), Red (extinct)

INTERESTING FACTS

An old-fashioned garden plant, Columbine has been cultivated in Europe and America since the mid-1600s. Native Americans used infusions from different parts of the plant for a variety of ailments including a wash for poison ivy. When pulverized, the seeds were rubbed on the hands by Native American men as a love charm. 

GROWING TIPS

Grows easily in full sun to part shade. Tolerates a wide range of soils except for heavy, poorly drained ones. Will grow in rocky, dry soil in shaded areas and on slopes. Keep soils uniformly moist after bloom to prevent the foliage from dying back. If foliage deteriorates, cut plants to the ground. Fresh new foliage will emerge and look good all season. Collect dried seed pods and sow them where you want more plants or simply let the plants self-sow.

 

Mature Size: 2-3' T x 1-2' W

Hardiness Zone: 3-8

Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade

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    American Beauties Offer Solution Based Plant Collections to Help you Choose

    Quick Tips for Choosing Plants:

    • Planting a variety of native trees, shrubs, perennials and vines increases biodiversity and gives wildlife a source for food, cover and nesting
    • Choose a mixture of deciduous and evergreen trees so birds and other wildlife will always be able to find shelter
    • Plant trees and large shrubs where they will block winter winds from the house and shade it in summer, that will save energy and lower your carbon footprint
    • Try your best to buy plants that were grown locally, your independent garden center will be your best bet
    • Think about ultimate height and width of the plant you choose, make sure it will fit the space you have for it when it's reached maturity
    • Plant nectar plants in groups, to attract butterflies and other beneficial insects more easily
    • Ask for help if you need it. Most garden centers either have a landscape designer on staff or they can give you a reference of a designer that is adept at native plant wildlife gardening. There will be upfront costs but they are small when compared to having to redo a landscape that wasn't what you really wanted

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    Choosing the right plants for your garden can seem like a daunting task but we’re here to help. Our horticulturists have spent a considerable amount of time researching and writing our beautiful, American Beauties plant tags to help you be successful. First of all, when you see an American Beauties branded pot at your garden center you can be confident that the plant is native to your area and a responsible choice. 

    When you look at our tag you’ll find information about the plants natural habitat. That will give you a clue to how it will work in your backyard. For instance if the plant is naturally founded and moist, shade and you have full sun, it’s not the plant for you. The “Features” section gives you an overview or plant description so you’ll know what to expect. While the “Benefits” section talks about the plants strong suits and how the plant will benefit wildlife. 

    A Special Note About Exposure

    Full sun: Prefers six or more hours of direct sunshine a day
    Partial shade: Thrives in three to six hours of daily sunshine
    Shade: Generally does well with less than three hours of sun per day. Having said that even shade loving plants will struggle in extremely deep shade.

    DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES

    Best Plants for Bees - Double sided printout for download

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    Best Plants for Birds - Double sided printout for download