Aquilegia 'Crimson Star' Columbine

Aquilegia 'Crimson Star' columbine grows 24 to 36 inches tall and lights up the spring garden with its vivid, long-spurred blooms. The large, outward-facing flowers display a captivating mix of crimson red and white, making them a striking focal point in any landscape. Nestled above a compact mound of fern-like basal leaves, the blossoms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Their elegant form also makes them a delightful addition to fresh spring bouquets.

An Aquilegia hybrid, commonly called columbine, crowfoots, or granny's bonnets, 'Crimson Star' is a hardy perennial (Zones 3-8). It creates a stunning display when planted in borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens, or shaded woodland gardens. Columbines naturalize freely without becoming invasive, making them perfect for naturalized areas and as ground cover after their flowers fade. Though their foliage may die back during summer, their visual impact lingers well beyond the blooming season.

'Crimson Star' columbine is exceptionally low maintenance and adaptable. It thrives in sunny to partially shaded spots with average, medium moist, well-drained soil. Removing spent flower stalks encourages re-blooming, and its resistance to deer makes it even easier to grow.

Plant 'Crimson Star' roots in spring, spacing them 12 to 18 inches apart and burying them 1½ to 2 inches deep for best results.