The Story
Plant Bio
Aquilegia canadensis, commonly known as Eastern Red Columbine, is a perennial with delicate, nodding flowers featuring spurred petals in red and yellow, and fern-like foliage that creates a graceful, airy appearance.
This cultivar is distinguished by its unique, nodding, pale yellow flowers, which lack the long spurs typical of the species.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
8 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moist
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
North America
Toxicity
All parts are toxic if ingested.
Bloom period
Late spring – Early summer
In flower about 2 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds shallowly into moist soil in late fall.
- Keep soil consistently moist during blooming season.
- Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Divide plants every 3-4 years in early spring.
- Prune after flowering to encourage new growth.
- Mist cuttings in humid environment to root.
Pro Tip
Plant in partial shade with moist, acidic soil for best blooms.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Prune after flowering to promote bushiness
- Mulch to conserve soil moisture
Don't
- Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
- Don’t fertilize with high-nitrogen fertilizers
- Keep away from overly windy areas
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Wild Columbine questions
What zones can Wild Columbine grow in?
Wild 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 Wild Columbine deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Wild Columbine, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Wild Columbine bloom?
Wild 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 Wild Columbine need full sun?
Wild Columbine does best in part shade.
More Aquilegia to compare
Columbine Mix
Aquilegia x hybrida 'Mix'
Columbine Double Flowers
Aquilegia vulgaris 'Double Flowers'
Melba Higgins Columbine
Aquilegia x hybrida 'Melba Higgins'
Columbine McKana Hybrids
Aquilegia vulgaris 'McKana Hybrids'
Biedermeier Columbine
Aquilegia vulgaris 'Biedermeier'
Tequila Sunrise Columbine
Aquilegia x hybrida 'Tequila Sunrise'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Wild Columbine with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.