Species

Aquilegia vulgarisCommon Columbine

16 other cultivars

perennial

Leprechaun Gold Columbine

Aquilegia vulgaris 'Leprechaun Gold'

Same species

Species

Aquilegia vulgarisCommon Columbine

16 other cultivars

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moist

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Europe

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested in large quantities

The Story

Plant Bio

Aquilegia vulgaris is a clump-forming perennial with fern-like, divided leaves. It produces nodding, bell-shaped flowers with distinctive backward-pointing spurs in late spring and early summer. 'Leprechaun Gold' is distinguished by its striking variegated foliage, which emerges bright gold in spring and matures to chartreuse with green edges. It bears violet-blue, spurred flowers.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Bright yellow flowers add cheerful color to shaded gardens, attracting pollinators and providing visual interest.

Prefers moist soil, helps improve soil stability in shaded areas.

Supports native pollinators and beneficial insects, contributing to garden biodiversity.

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds into moist soil in fall or early spring
Keep soil consistently moist during growing season
Provide partial shade for best bloom performance
Mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring
Stake taller varieties if needed to prevent wind damage

Pro Tip

Use a shaded spot with rich, moist soil for optimal growth

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming
Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring

Don't

Avoid dry or overly compacted soil ❌
Do not expose to full, hot sun in hot climates
Never let soil dry out completely

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded border with vibrant yellow accentsWildflower garden for natural charm

Companion Plants

Hostas Ferns Astilbes Bleeding Heart Japanese Forest Grass

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Leprechaun Gold Columbine questions

What zones can Leprechaun Gold Columbine grow in?

Leprechaun Gold Columbine is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Leprechaun Gold Columbine deer resistant?

Yes — Leprechaun Gold Columbine is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Leprechaun Gold Columbine bloom?

Leprechaun Gold Columbine typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Leprechaun Gold Columbine need full sun?

Leprechaun Gold Columbine does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.