Aquilegia Earlybird Blue White (Columbine)

Prized for its vibrant colors and neatly mounded habit, Aquilegia Earlybird Blue White (Columbine) is a compact perennial boasting a profusion of long-spurred, bright blue and white flowers. Blooming profusely in late spring to early summer, the blossoms are borne on relatively short stems and rise elegantly above the lacy, deeply-cut foliage.

Prized for its vibrant colors and neatly mounded habit, Aquilegia Earlybird Blue White (Columbine) is a compact perennial boasting a profusion of long-spurred, bright blue and white flowers. Blooming profusely in late spring to early summer, the blossoms are borne on relatively short stems and rise elegantly above the lacy, deeply-cut foliage. Noted for its controlled habit, this columbine is generally short-lived but will self-seed in the landscape in satisfactory growing conditions. Excellent for both the landscape and containers. As an added bonus, the flowers will last well in cut arrangements.

  • Grows up to 9-12 in. tall and wide (22-30 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun to part shade, in loose, average to richmoist, well-drained soils. Seriously dislikes poorly drained soils! Rich, moist soils in part shade are preferred.
  • Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, but it is deer and rabbit resistant.
  • Easy to grow, this plant is a welcomed addition to beds, borders, cottage gardens, shade gardens or containers. Excellent cut flowers lasting up to 2 weeks in a vase.
  • Removing spent flowers will increase the blooming time.
  • Subject to fungal diseases, borers, leaf miners, and aphids.
  • Propagate by sowing named seed rather than by division. Mature plants do not like to be disturbed.
  • Remove faded flowering stems to promote additional bloom. Cut to the ground when the foliage declines in the fall.

Requirements

Hardiness 3
– 9

Heat Zones 1
– 7

Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Aquilegia
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)Summer (Early)
Height 9"
– 1'
(22cm
– 30cm)
Spread 9"
– 1'
(22cm
– 30cm)
Spacing 9″
– 12″
(22cm
– 30cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage