Botanical Name: Aquilegia formosa
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Common Name: Western Columbine  
Plant photo of: Aquilegia formosa
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Water Saving Tip:

Group plants in your garden according to their water needs (hydrozone).

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Perennial

 

Height Range

1-3'

 

Flower Color

Red, Yellow, Multi-Colored

 

Flower Season

Spring, Summer

 

Leaf Color

Light Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Half, Shade

 

Water

Medium, Extra in Summer

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained, Moist

 

Soil pH

Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Meadow, Native Garden, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer

 

Location Uses

Perennial Border, With Rocks

 

Special Uses

Container, Naturalizing, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Hummingbirds

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer: Steve Mullany/Engstrom
  • Description

  • Notes

This columbine is noted for its bright red and yellow flowers. The foliage is a pale green with paler undersides, and generally has three lobes. Its habit is clumping, though it may seed if happily sited. Attractive to hummingbirds. A Utah native. Foliage clumps are usually less than 12 inches tall and 24 inches wide, in time. Flowers stand on delicate stems up to 18 inches.
Western Columbine generally prefer shady sites and cooler to moist soils. Like other columbine, they will dormant in the summer if the soil gets too dry for too long. They are also usually a short-lived perennial but are generous reseeders if planted where they are content. Hardy to USDA Zone 3. During blooming, they appreciate regular watering, but as they go dormant, reduce the frequency of irrigation.