How to Grow and Care for Golden columbine

Golden columbine, also known as Southwestern yellow columbine, Hinckley's columbine, Canary columbine

Golden columbine thrives in partially shaded conditions with well-draining soil, mimicking its native woodland habitat. Key care points include ensuring moderate watering to maintain slightly moist soil, and protecting golden columbine from intense afternoon sun. With a forgiving nature, this plant is considered easy to care for, making it suitable for a range of gardeners.

Watering schedule: Every week

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun

Toxic to Humans

In This Article

Planting and Growing Golden columbine

Toughness	High
Care Level	Medium
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every week
Sunlight Requirements	Partial sun
Soil Type	Garden Soil
Soil pH	6-7
Planting Time	Spring
Hardiness Zones	2-11
Toxicity	Toxic to Humans

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Varieties of Golden columbine

Golden columbine 'Sunshine'

A cultivar bred from Aquilegia caerulea, golden columbine 'Sunshine' is distinguished by its fully double, yellow flowers adorned with long spurs. The cultivar was probably named after its bright color that reminds of sunshine. This cultivar is particularly prized for its ability to continue blooming when most other columbines are finished with flowering.

Colorado blue columbine 'BlueBird'

A part of the Songbird Aquilegia series, the colorado blue columbine 'BlueBird' is known to have large upward-facing blossoms that are lighter in their blue color. It is named after a bird of similar color. The colorado blue columbine 'BlueBird' is easy to grow and is great as a cut flower. Gardeners can plant these cultivars in beds, borders, and containers.

Yellow columbine 'McKana Hybrid'

Yellow columbine 'McKana Hybrid' is a particularly tall columbine cultivar also known as "Granny’s Bonnet" that produces bi-colored flowers in a variety of shades. It is easy to grow and will thrive in rich, fertile soil that is well-drained. Yellow columbine 'McKana Hybrid' does well in both full sun and partial shade. Loved by pollinators and avoided by rabbits and deer, this plant will self-seed when left alone and can cover large areas in colorful drifts.

Colorado blue columbine 'Cardinal'

Colorado blue columbine 'Cardinal' is a member of the Songbird hybrids, which are noted for their upward-facing red and white flowers, as opposed to downward-facing like most columbines, and compact form. Its name is a nod to the color of its flowers, similar to that of a cardinal, that contrast with its gray-green foliage.

Colorado blue columbine 'Crimson Star'

Where most Rocky Mountain Columbines have blue and lilac flowers, colorado blue columbine 'Crimson Star' has bright flowers with pink centers surrounded by crimson star-shaped outer petals. This outstanding plant is a popular garden fixture for these showy late-spring early-summer flowers and has received the Royal Horticultural Society's prestigious Award of Garden Merit.

Common Pests & Diseases

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The Toxicity of Golden columbine

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More General Info About Golden columbine

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Golden columbine exhibits an impressive stature, reaching 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) in height, with its vibrant yellow blossoms ascending to 4 feet (120 cm). Its flowers are noteworthy for their irregularly shaped petals and characteristic backward-pointing spurs. The lush foliage forms an elegant backdrop to the striking flowers. Demonstrating resilience, golden columbine is mildew resistant and fares well in a range of soil types. Regular cutting of flower stalks may promote additional blooming in this robust perennial.