perennial

Columbine

Aquilegia x hybrida 'Melba Higgins'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moist

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Aquilegia x hybrida 'Melba Higgins' is a deciduous perennial with delicate, nodding flowers that feature distinctive spurred petals in shades of soft pink and white, complemented by finely divided foliage. This cultivar is celebrated for its early flowering and elegant bicolored blooms, making it a charming addition to shaded garden borders and mixed perennial beds.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Adds delicate, nodding blossoms to shaded garden beds, providing visual interest and early spring color.

Prefers moist soil, helping to retain garden moisture and prevent erosion.

Supports pollinators like bees and hummingbirds with early nectar sources.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.

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Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring
Keep soil consistently moist during germination
Transplant seedlings after 1 year when established
Mulch around plants to retain moisture
Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring
Prune dead or damaged stems in late fall

Pro Tip

Provide partial shade for best flowering and moisture retention.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 💧
Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage rebloom

Don't

Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
Don't fertilize in late fall
Do not expose to heavy, prolonged drought

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded border with delicate flowersWoodland garden accent

Companion Plants

Hostas Ferns Astilbes Heucheras Brunnera

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Columbine questions

What zones can Columbine grow in?

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 Columbine deer resistant?

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

When does Columbine bloom?

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 Columbine need full sun?

Columbine does best in part shade.