Red Columbine Seeds – Aquilegia canadensis – Wild Shade Garden Perennial

Red Columbine Seeds – Aquilegia canadensis

Transform your garden with the delicate charm of Red Columbine, a stunning native wildflower that ushers in early spring color. Perfect for shade or part-shade gardens, Aquilegia canadensis thrives in semi-woodland settings or alongside moisture-loving plants, making it an ideal choice for pollinator-friendly landscapes.

Key Features:

Scientific Name: Aquilegia canadensis

Common Names: Red Columbine, Wild Columbine

Height: 12–24 inches

Zones: 3–8

Light: Shade to part-shade; tolerates full sun with adequate moisture

Soil: Moisture-retentive, well-drained soils; performs best in semi-woodland settings

Flowering Season: Early Spring

Seed Quantity: 25+ fresh seeds per pack

Why Choose Red Columbine?

Early Spring Bloomer: Red Columbine lights up the garden as tulips and daffodils fade, bridging the seasonal transition.

Pollinator Favorite: Attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, providing essential early-season nectar.

Naturalized Beauty: Self-seeds freely for a lush, effortless display year after year.

Shade Garden Star: Performs beautifully in shaded or dappled light areas, complementing ferns and native violets.

Planting and Growing Instructions:

Direct Sowing:

Best Time: Fall or early spring.

Method: Scatter seeds in a prepared, semi-shaded seedbed and water lightly. Winter cold naturally stratifies the seeds for better germination.

Indoor Sowing:

Cold Stratification: Place seeds in a ziplock bag with a damp paper towel and refrigerate for 6+ weeks to break dormancy.

Planting: Sow seeds finely, barely covering with soil. Keep moist but not waterlogged.

Care Tips:

Water during dry spells, especially in early growth stages.

Expect a summer dormancy in hot, dry conditions, as Columbine conserves energy for the next bloom cycle.

Leave seedheads intact for added seasonal interest and natural reseeding.

Where to Plant?

Shade Gardens: Thrives alongside native ferns and violets in dappled light.

Cottage Borders: Adds cheerful pops of color to woodland-style planting schemes.

Pollinator Habitats: Pair with native honeysuckle for a hummingbird-friendly garden.

Eco-Friendly Gardening:

Red Columbine supports biodiversity, providing nectar for early-season pollinators and seeds for wildlife. By planting native wildflowers, you contribute to the health of local ecosystems and help combat habitat loss.

Seed Count & Shipping:

Average Pack Size: 25+ seeds, freshly hand-collected each year.

Shipping Perks: Free tracked shipping on orders over $20.

Start Your Spring Garden Today:

With its elegant blooms and ecological benefits, Red Columbine is a timeless addition to any shade or woodland garden. Sow it this season and enjoy a naturalized display of spring beauty for years to come.

Grow a garden that’s beautiful and impactful!