---

Thomas Jefferson's horticulturally astute son-in-law, Thomas Mann Randolph, observed this native American columbine blooming at Monticello on April 30, 1791, and it can still be found growing wild at Monticello. It was initially called "Feathered Columbine," describing how its flowers and foliage swayed in the breeze like ostrich feathers. It forms a mound of delicate-looking blue-green foliage 18 to 24 inches tall and wide. In late spring to early summer, thin branched stems rise above the foliage, bearing abundant bicolor scarlet red flowers with yellow corollas that hummingbirds and butterflies will flock to. If spent flowers are left on the plants, seeds will drop, and new plants will start growing, forming a colony. Finches and buntings will also appreciate the seeds. Where we have it growing in a partially shaded garden, the deer leave it alone.

Growing in a mound 18 to 24 inches tall and wide, the Eastern Red Columbine is ideal as an accent in small garden spaces or grouped or spaced randomly in perennial or wildflower garden beds or along paths and walkways. If spent flowers are left on the stems the plant will naturalize beautifully in woodland borders. It is excellent solo or combined with other plants in pots, planters, and other containers. A fine addition to cottage gardens, red theme gardens, butterfly and hummingbird gardens, native gardens, wildflower gardens, or woodland gardens.

Suggested Spacing:  18 inches apart for mass plantings; 36 or more inches apart for space between plants.