Seed orders $50+ Ship Free Until 2/28
Skip to the content
SELECT SEEDS
Columbine - Wild - S1
Columbine - Wild - S1
Plant

Columbine - Wild

Aquilegia canadensis
Its other name, Rock Bells, refers to its affinity for woodland ledge tops in the East. A true delight of spring, the elegant dangling blossoms have curving spurs holding sweet nectar that sustains hummingbirds and hawk moths early in the year when few other flowers bloom. Unlike modern hybrids, they are resistant to leaf miners and are self-seeding, adding an increasing flash of flame to partly-shaded woodland gardens and edges.
SKU #P3390

Buy more and save!

Minimum Qty Discount
3 + $0.20 off each
6 + $0.45 off each
Caution: Poisonous. The purchaser assumes all liability related to the use of this product.
$10.95
Seed Packet
Columbine - Wild
$3.55
Columbine - Wild
Growing Companions
Golden Alexander
Golden Alexander
Primrose - Wild - S1
Primrose - Wild
Viola 'Columbine' - S1
Viola 'Columbine'
Details
Shipped As
Pot: 3.5" h x 2.63" w (9.5 fl oz)
Lifecycle
Perennial
Perennial Hardiness Zone
3,
4,
5,
6,
7,
8
Mature Size
2-3' h x 6"-1' w
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Soil
Rich, well-drained
Season
Spring to summer
Color
Red and yellow nodding bells with spurs.
Features
Great Cut Flower
Deer Resistant
Attracts Butterflies
Attracts Bees
Attracts Hummingbirds
Notable
RHS Award of Garden Merit Winner
WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
At last frost date.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Wild columbine attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds; its spring bloom makes it valuable as an early-season nectar source. It grows well in the dappled sun of woodland edges, where it repels the attentions of deer and rabbits. Its nodding blooms are held by strong stems above lobed gray-green foliage. Cut flower stalks after bloom to encourage a rebloom, and trim foliage if needed for fresh growth. A host plant to a butterfly and moth species, they also support beneficial insects. In their first year of growth, perennials bulk up roots and foliage, blooming more abundantly starting the second year. Self-sows. Caution: contains some toxic elements especially in the roots and foliage.
Final Spacing:
1'
Water Requirements:
Medium Water Use
Watering Details:
Plants are somewhat drought tolerant but do best with evenly moist soil; about 1" of water per week, more in full sun.
Soil pH:
Prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH levels.
Fertilizer:
Mix in a couple of inches of compost annually.
Diseases & Pests:
Less susceptible to leaf miners than garden columbines. Leaf miners damage leaves by chewing tunnels in the leaves. At first indication of damage, pick off the affected leaves and destroy or use sprays of Bacillus thuringiensis, a biological, to combat.
When to Cut for Bouquets:
Harvest when 1/2 of the florets are open.