Earlybird Red Yellow Columbine
Earlybird Red Yellow Columbine
A Compact, Extra-Early Columbine in Red and Yellow
Earlybird Red and Yellow Columbine (Aquilegia caerulea 'Earlybird Red and Yellow') brings warm, sunset tones to the early spring garden, with large red-and-gold bicolor flowers held upward on a compact, tidy plant. Bred to bloom early and stay short, it's perfect for the front of borders and containers, and its cheerful blooms are an important first nectar stop for hummingbirds and bees. Deer-resistant and easy, it's a bright pick for Edina, Maple Grove, and Woodbury gardens.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Aquilegia caerulea 'Earlybird Red and Yellow' |
| Mature Size | 10–12 in tall and wide (dwarf) |
| Hardiness Zone | Zone 3–8 (fully hardy across Minnesota) |
| Light | Full sun to part shade |
| Bloom Time | Early to mid spring |
| Flower Color | Red and yellow bicolor |
| Soil | Average, well-drained; moderate moisture |
Landscape Uses
Use Earlybird Red and Yellow at the front of borders, in containers, rock gardens, and pollinator and hummingbird gardens. Its compact, early-blooming habit pairs beautifully with other spring perennials, hostas, and ferns.
Best Time to Plant
Plant in spring or early fall, when cooler weather and steady moisture help roots establish.
How to Plant
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Set the crown level with the soil, backfill, water in well, and mulch 2–3 inches deep, keeping mulch off the crown.
Watering
First Year: Water deeply 1–2 times per week to establish the roots.
After Year One: Water during dry spells; columbine likes moderate, even moisture.
Drip Irrigation: A drip line keeps moisture even and helps keep foliage dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's special about the Earlybird series?
It blooms earlier and stays more compact than standard columbines, ideal for small spaces and containers.
Is it hardy in Minnesota?
Yes, hardy to Zone 3 and reliable statewide.
Does it attract hummingbirds?
Yes, the early spurred flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds and bees.
Is it deer resistant?
Yes, deer generally avoid columbine.
You May Also Like
Pair Earlybird Red and Yellow with our other Earlybird and Swan columbines, hostas, and ferns for a colorful spring border.
How Many Earlybird Red and Yellow Columbine Do I Need?
Plant this dwarf columbine on 12-inch centers to match its 10–12 inch mature spread:
| Run / Area Length | Plants Needed (12 in apart) |
|---|---|
| 10 ft edge | 10 plants |
| 20 ft edge | 20 plants |
| 30 ft edge | 30 plants |
| 40 ft edge | 40 plants |
Group in clusters of 3–5 for the warmest, most natural display.
Earlybird Red and Yellow Columbine Season-by-Season in Minnesota
- Spring: Warm red-and-gold sunset-toned flowers open early to mid spring, drawing the season's first hummingbirds and bees.
- Summer: Flowering slows; the compact, lacy blue-green mound stays tidy and may rest during heat.
- Fall: Cool weather refreshes the fern-like foliage at the border front.
- Winter: Dies back to the ground and returns reliably — hardy to zone 3 statewide.
At a Glance
✔ Pollinator-Friendly ✔ Deer-Resistant ✔ Shade-Tolerant
Plant It With
- Earlybird Red and White Columbine — carries the red theme with a crisp white accent.
- Earlybird Purple White Columbine — cool purple to balance the warm gold tones.
- Japanese Painted Fern — silver fronds fill in as bloom fades.
- Alexandria Brunnera — frosted foliage anchors the same part-shade bed.
Is Earlybird Red and Yellow Columbine Right for Your Yard?
It thrives in full sun to part shade in average, well-drained soil with moderate moisture — perfect for border fronts, containers, and pollinator gardens. Not a fit if your site is hot, dry, and fully exposed with no afternoon shade.