Western Columbine

Western Columbine is a beautiful and hardy native perennial known for its striking red and yellow nodding flowers that bloom from spring into early summer. Growing up to 60cm tall, this wildflower is a magnet for hummingbirds and native pollinators. It thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil, making it an excellent addition to woodland gardens, native borders, or naturalised areas. Once established, plants self-seed freely, creating dense and vibrant patches of blossoms that return year after year.

Where Can You Grow Western Columbine?
Well-suited to Zones 3–9, Western Columbine prefers part sun to light shade and moist, well-drained soil. Excellent for naturalised borders, forest edges, or wildflower plantings.

History and Historical Uses
A key wildflower of coastal and interior BC, Aquilegia formosa has been appreciated for centuries by Indigenous peoples and naturalists alike. Its unique bell-shaped flowers are adapted for pollination by long-tongued hummingbirds, making it an essential part of many native garden landscapes.

Canadian Zone Information
Zones 8–9: Direct sow in fall or early spring; will self-seed once established.
Zones 5–7: Cold-stratify seeds indoors or sow in early spring; mulch to retain moisture.
Zones 3–4: Start indoors with stratification and transplant after last frost.

How to Grow and Harvest Western Columbine
Planting: Sow seeds 3mm (⅛in) deep in fall or cold-stratify and sow in spring.
Watering: Keep soil moist during establishment, then water during dry spells.
Maintenance: Deadhead for tidiness or leave seed heads for self-seeding.
Harvesting: Harvest seeds once seed pods dry; flowers can also be cut for bouquets.

Seed Saving Tips for Future Supply
Let Pods Mature: Allow seed pods to fully dry on the plant.
Harvest Carefully: Collect when pods rattle; store in paper bag.
Dry and Store: Fully dry seeds before storing in cool, dark location.
Viability: Seeds remain viable for 2–3 years if stored properly.

Certified Organic By
Islands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)