Grow Native Columbine for Hummingbirds and More
Bring the hummingbirds into your spring garden with a planting of our native columbine.
These North American native plants grow in full sun or partial shade and a wide range of well-draining soils. Plants growing in rich soils may develop weak stems and be short lived, while those in sandy soils tend to be more compact and longer lived.
The spurs on the downward facing yellow and red bell-shaped flowers are filled with nectar – perfect for hummingbirds and long tongued pollinators. Plus, deer and rabbits tend to leave them be.
Hardy in zones 3 to 8, columbines do reseed readily forming large colonies. Collect and replant extra seedlings or remove faded flowers to limit reseeding. Cut plants back to the ground as foliage declines to encourage fresh new growth.
Plant columbines with other perennials in woodland, shade, rock, cottage and naturalized gardens.
A bit more information: Newer hybrids are not as long-lasting as our native species. Extend their longevity by removing their faded flowers. This directs the energy into building roots instead of producing seeds.
Related
Categories
Upcoming
Events & Webinars
April 23, 2026
Iowa State University
More information
April 25, 2026
Pasquesi Home & Gardens
Lake Bluff, IL
April 26, 2026
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 2, 2026
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 6, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Adding Native Plants
to Any Size Gardening Space
Register here
May 7, 2026
Wauwatosa Public Library
Wauwatosa, WI
Register here
May 9, 2026
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 10, 2026
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 13, 2026
Roots & Branches
West Bend, WI
Register here
May 16, 2026
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 17, 2026
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 20, 2026
Herb Container Workshop
Pewaukee, WI
Register here
May 21, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Planting & Care of Your Rain Garden
Register here
June 3, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Managing Your Landscape
with Pollinators in Mind
Register here
June 10, 2026
Enjoy Life Active Aging Symposium
Brookfield, WI
More information
July 9, 2026
Ebert's 50th Anniversary Celebration
Ixonia, WI
August 6-16, 2026
Wisconsin State Fair
We Energies Energy Park, West Allis, WI
Sept. 3, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Tree Planting and Care
Register here
Sept. 12, 2026
Knowledge in Bloom Conference
Milwaukee, WI
Register here
Sept. 17, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Fall Landscape Care and Planting
Register here
WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
MORE UPCOMING EVENT DETAILS
Book an Appearance
Sign up for Melinda's free e-newsletter for a chance to win a Birds & Blooms' Ultimate Gardening Guide!
ENTER NOW
