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My Favorite Plant Aquilegia canadensis ‘Corbett’

by Katrina Crocker, MCH

Reasons This Plant Shines

Golden Eastern Columbine, Aquilegia canadensis ‘Corbett,’ is a robust plant with delicate flowers. I love it because it’s native and supports hummingbirds, bees, hawk moths, finches, and buntings; keep using it because this perennial thrives where other showy flowers struggle. I find Aquilegia c. ‘Corbett’ doesn’t mind poor, disturbed urban soils and tolerates shade well. I have seen it flower profusely with only indirect light on the north side of a street, with no supplemental irrigation. I would advise against planting in full sun unless there is irrigation. It is also rabbit resistant. Who doesn’t appreciate a rabbit-resistant showy flower that can perform in drier urban soils in shade?

Katrina Crocker, MCH Landscape Collaborative Belmont, MA

Facts and Features

The foliage holds up well through the growing season if the plant isn’t in too much sun; occasional dead heading and deadleafing is helpful. According to the Missouri Botanical Garden, the foliage of Aquilegia c. offers more resistance to leaf miner than do other Aquilegia species and hybrids. It spreads well from seed (avoid mulching if re-seeding is desired).

Aquilegia canadensis ‘Corbett’

Bloom time: April to May

Bloom Color: Pale lemon

Fall Color: Brilliant reds, oranges, purple

Growth Rate: Slow to moderate

Size: 3 to 5 feet high and wide Zone 5–8

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