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Aquilegia canadensis

Also Known As

Native Red Columbine
Rock Bells
Wild Columbine

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 12"-36"
W: 8"-18"

planting zones

3a-9b

More Options

Aquilegia canadensis plant details

Aquilegia canadensis is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In spring and summer red and yellow flowers emerge. Attracts bees, beneficial insects, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - occasional water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Aquilegia canadensis

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: ranunculales
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 8 IN - 18 IN - wide, 12 IN - 36 IN - tall
Flowers: red and yellow blooms in spring and summer
Uses: border plant, cottage garden, cutting garden, easy-to-grow, native plant, self-sowing, woodland garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Aquilegia canadensis

USDA Zones: 3a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - occasional
Resistant to: deer, verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Aquilegia canadensis is the eastern counterpart to our BC native A. formosa. It is usually 1-2 feet tall but can reach 3 feet tall in rich conditions. The wonderful nodding bright red flowers have prominent nectar-filled spurs and yellow centres. It has attractive tripartite leaves. Butterflies and hummingbirds will flock to the flowers. Tolerant of dry shade.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

Our native columbine of red and yellow distributed throughout eastern North America.Often found in rocky woodlands and on slopes. Takes sun too.

By: Avant Gardens

What more can I tell you about this old favorite. Variable shades of red and yellow flowers on lovely dissected foliage. Self sown seedlings abound to form a wonderful drift of early Spring color in full sun or part shade on 12" - 18" plants.

By: Sunshine Farm and Gardens

Hummingbirds flock to the intricate red and yellow flowers in early spring when few other nectar flowers are available. Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) prefers well-drained sites in light to medium shade. Plant a patch of Columbine and create a hummingbird haven! Hardy to Zones 3 - 8.

By: Prairie Nursery

A beautiful eastern US native with bright red and yellow flowers popular with hummingbirds. One of the more reliably perennial species of columbine.. _zone 4

By: Arrowhead Alpines

Its other name, Rock Bells, refers to its being found on woodland ledge tops in the East. This native was brought into gardens by 1640. The elegant red and yellow flowers have long spurs and dangle on the end of wiry stems. Unlike modern hybrids, they are resistant to leaf miners.

By: Select Seeds

A beautiful and reliable native columbine with yellow and coppery red flowers that are produced in spring above the softly textured foliage. Item # 3098

By: Almost Eden

Garden photo gallery of Aquilegia canadensis

Photo of Aquilegia canadensis flower by Kristine Paulus

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By: Kristine Paulus

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Photo of Aquilegia canadensis foliage by Far South Wholesale Nursery

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By: Far South Wholesale Nursery

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By: Far South Wholesale Nursery

By: Prairie Nursery

By: Kristine Paulus

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By: Kristine Paulus

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By: Kristine Paulus

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.

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By: Kristine Paulus

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.

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Photo of Aquilegia canadensis flower by Sunshine Farm and Gardens

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By: Sunshine Farm and Gardens

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By: Sunshine Farm and Gardens

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Gardening facts about Aquilegia canadensis plant

How to Grow Aquilegia canadensis

Sun Exposure
- sun - mostly shade
Water Needs
- even moisture - occasional
Soil Needs
- adaptable
- average
- well-drained
- rich
Special Situation
- verticillium wilt resistant

Features

Foliage Color
- green
Flower Color
- red
- yellow
Wildlife
- beneficial insects
- bees
- butterflies
- hummingbirds
- deer resistant
Flower Season
- spring
- summer
Foliage Season
- deciduous