Species Western Columbine
red-yellow flowers with yellow filaments, dark-yellow anthers, green leaves and green stems

Western Columbine

Aquilegia formosa

Also Known As - Scarlet Columbine,Crimson Columbine
Western Columbine (Aquilegia formosa) is an attractive perennial with a moderate growth habit that has become an ornamental favorite in gardens across the United States. Large, white and yellow, bell-shaped flowers are arranged atop tall stalks that can reach up to two to three feet. Foliage is finely divided, giving a delicate texture to the plant. It begins to bloom in the summer months and continues blooming until fall. Western Columbine prefers full sun, adaptable to a wide range of soils, and is easy to care for with only occasional deadheading of the flowers. It makes an ideal selection for rock gardens, informal borders, and cottage gardens.

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Root Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

Yellow|Red Flowers

Sun:

Sun, Partial Shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

For Western Columbine, watering should be done through a deep soaking 1-2 times a week during the growing season (spring and summer). Soaking the soil and allowing it to dry out between waterings will help the plant develop deeper roots while avoiding issues with root rot. During periods of heavy rain or while the plant is dormant in winter, watering could be reduced or even eliminated.

sunlight

Western Columbine (Aquilegia formosa) needs around 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day in order to thrive. The best hours are usually the morning hours as the plant can become stressed in high temperatures. Positioning the plant near a south- or west-facing window is most beneficial, while still providing partial shade to keep it out of direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day. In the summer, the plant needs more shade and should be kept from direct sunlight after around 10am.

pruning

Western Columbine should be pruned early in the season, immediately after flowering. Prune off faded flower clusters, but avoid cutting stems to the ground as this will reduce flowering on the plant in future years. Prune back stems by up to a third of the height. Removing dead or spent foliage is also helpful for plant health. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Avoid pruning in late summer or early fall as this encourages new growth that won't be able to withstand cooler temperatures.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Western Columbine typically starts flowering in April and May.