Eastern Red Columbine, Native Flower

Firefly Farm & Mercantile - Eastern Red Columbine is native to the central and eastern Untied States. It is a late spring to early summer flowering perennial. Bees and other polliantors rely on these woodland species for valuable nectar and pollen. This is very abundant at Firefly Farm & Mercantile. You would see this along our Wild Flower Trail in mid May to mid June typically. 

They are 10-18” tall and will casually reseed to keep an abundance of blooms going for years to come. The flowers face downwards and have longer spurs that form the classic combine curl. 

The self-sowing variety prefers even moisture and grows best in full sun to partial shade, ideally with afternoon shade in hot climates. Perennial.

Botanical name: Aquilegia canadensis

• Perennial
• Full sun to partial shade is optimal

Instructions:

Sow seeds outdoors when the ground can be worked, best to sow in fall and let nature care for the cold stratification.  Columbine prefers well-drained average soil. Water regularly, keeping leaves dry. Remove spent blossoms frequently to prolong blooming.

• Start Indoors: 6-8 weeks before the last frost but should be cold stratified for at least 60 days.
• Germination: 3-4 weeks after a several month period of cold stratification. 
• Plant Outdoors: 8-10” Apart
• Light: Full Sun