Bold Red-and-White Spring Flowers for Hummingbirds

Swan Red and White Columbine (Aquilegia caerulea 'Swan Red and White') delivers a classic, cheerful look, large long-spurred flowers with bright red sepals framing a clean white center in mid to late spring. The crisp bicolor blooms float over lacy blue-green foliage and are irresistible to hummingbirds and early bees. Deer-resistant and easy, it brings vivid spring color to Minnetonka, Lakeville, and Blaine gardens.

Landscape Uses

Use Swan Red and White in cottage gardens, woodland edges, pollinator and hummingbird gardens, and mixed borders. It pairs beautifully with hostas, ferns, and other spring perennials, and the flowers are lovely for cutting.

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

Does it attract hummingbirds?
Yes, the spurred red-and-white spring flowers are a favorite early-season nectar source for hummingbirds and bees.

Is it hardy in Minnesota?
Yes, hardy to Zone 3 and reliable statewide.

Will it come back every year?
Columbine is a short-lived perennial that often self-seeds, so it tends to persist in the garden.

Is it deer resistant?
Yes, deer generally avoid columbine.

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Pair Swan Red and White with our other Swan and Earlybird columbines, hostas, and ferns for a colorful spring border.