The Story
Plant Bio
Aquilegia canadensis, commonly known as Eastern Red Columbine, is a perennial with delicate, fern-like foliage and distinctive nodding, bell-shaped flowers featuring red sepals and yellow petals, attracting pollinators.
Cultivar Canyon Vista is distinguished by its vibrant, contrasting red and yellow flowers, along with its vigorous growth habit and adaptability to various garden conditions.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
24 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moist
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Late spring – Early summer
In flower about 2 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in fall or early spring.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity.
- Plant in partially shaded areas with rich, moist soil.
- Water consistently during dry spells.
- Fertilize with a balanced organic fertilizer in spring.
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring.
Pro Tip
Plant in well-drained, humus-rich soil for best results.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Prune after flowering to encourage new growth
Don't
- Avoid dry, compacted soils ❌
- Don’t over-fertilize, which can reduce flowering
- Keep away from overly sunny, hot spots
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
Eastern Columbine questions
What zones can Eastern Columbine grow in?
Eastern 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 Eastern Columbine deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Eastern Columbine, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Eastern Columbine bloom?
Eastern 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 Eastern Columbine need full sun?
Eastern 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 Eastern 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.