Aquilegia eximia

Also Known As

Serpentine Columbine

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 2'-5'
W: 1'-2'

planting zones

4a-11

More Options

Aquilegia eximia plant details

Aquilegia eximia is a broadleaf deciduous or semi-evergreen perennial with green foliage. In spring and summer red and yellow flowers emerge. Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Aquilegia eximia

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: ranunculales
Foliage: deciduous or semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 1 FT - 2 FT - wide, 2 FT - 5 FT - tall
Flowers: red and yellow blooms in spring and summer
Uses: border plant, caudex-forming, container plant, cottage garden, cutting garden, easy-to-grow, native plant, unique, woodland garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Aquilegia eximia

USDA Zones: 4a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, clay, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Hard to find & wonderful to have! I’m delighted that we’re able to offer this distinguished California Native. Distinct & regal, the blooms are nodding, with widely spaced red spurs. Large flowers, almost 2” across, look uniquely crown like. Can grow up to a jaw-dropping 5’ tall & over time will form a caudex (bulbous root mass.) To maintain, simply remove the ragged leaves every so often – once a year at most. Requires far less maintenance than other Aquilegia species because the leaves are virtually immune to powdery mildew & exude a (probably protective) substance that feels a bit greasy. Native to serpentine soils & very tolerant of clay, it prefers a relatively moist situation, but can tolerate drought once established. Native to the coastal ranges of California, including the Bay Area.