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Western Columbine

Aquilegia formosa

perennial herb View on Calscape

Care

Sun

part shade

Water

moderate

Soil

moist, well-drained; along streams and seeps

Size

1–3ft tall , 1–2ft wide

Bloom

Apr-Jul · red and yellow

Foliage

Deciduous

Deer

Resistant

Container

Friendly

Flowers

Prized

Native Range

Western North America from Alaska to Baja California

Nodding red and yellow spurred flowers; classic columbine form

Goes dormant in summer if dry; self-sows in moist gardens

Care Guide

Planting

Plant Western Columbine in part shade with moist, well-draining soil rich in organic material - think woodland conditions. Space plants about 1.5 to 3 feet apart depending on your desired mature size. Plant in spring or fall when the Bay Area soil is cool and moist. This plant tolerates serpentine soil if that's what you're working with, but amending with compost will give it the best start.

After Planting

Water weekly through your first summer to establish the plant, then taper back - once established, it needs only moderate water and can go up to a month between waterings in summer. Deadhead spent flowers to prevent excessive self-seeding, though you can let some go to seed if you want more plants. Expect the plant to go dormant and disappear in winter; this is normal. The #1 mistake is overwatering established plants - Western Columbine evolved in moist but well-draining stream-side spots, not wet clay, so err on the side of drier once it's settled in.

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