Western Columbine
Western Columbine
Aquilegia formosa
Perennial
All Columbines are truly stunning, especially when encountered in the wild, and this bi-colored beauty is no exception. Red and yellow flowers rise above blue-green deeply cut leaves. The plants make lovely mounds and naturalize by seed. They look delicate yet showy and fit right in amongst the trees of a mixed forest.
They can take full sun but also appreciate afternoon shade or dappled light. They grow to 3' and like rocky soil and can thrive in dry to moist soil. Once established, they will reseed themselves easily. They bloom from May to Aug.
Hummingbirds and and pollinators love Columbine and so do deer. They love the leaves, they love the flowers, the flower buds and the seeds. So, plant them in a protected area.
Direct seed in spring or fall, barely cover the seed. Press it in gently for good seed to soil contact.