Aquilegia canadensis 'Little Lanterns' is a compact native columbine prized for its delicate, nodding red and yellow flowers that resemble tiny lanterns. This perennial thrives in partial shade to full sun and adds early season color and charm to woodland gardens, borders, and pollinator friendly landscapes. Its ferny foliage provides light texture and remains attractive throughout the growing season.
Height & Spread: 6 - 10 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Light Requirements: Partial shade to full sun
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained, humus rich soil
Watering Needs: Moderate; prefers evenly moist soil
Deer Resistance: Moderately resistant; foliage generally avoided
Native Status
Aquilegia canadensis is native to eastern North America, thriving in woodland edges, rocky slopes, and moist, well drained soils. It is widely used in native plant gardens and pollinator plantings.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Hummingbirds
- Ruby Throated Hummingbirds are strongly attracted to the tubular red and yellow flowers for nectar feeding.
Bees
- Supports native bumblebees, sweat bees, and honeybees that are effective pollinators of early season blooms.
Butterflies
- Painted Ladies and Eastern Tiger Swallowtails visit the flowers for nectar, adding movement and color to the garden.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 12 - 18 in apart to allow for mature spread and airflow between plants.
Landscape Placement:
- Perfect for woodland borders, shaded garden beds, native plant gardens, and pollinator friendly landscapes.
Companion Plants
- Trillium grandiflorum (Large White Trillium) - Woodland perennial with striking white blooms that pair naturally with columbine.
- Heuchera 'Berry Smoothie' - Bold rose pink foliage contrasts beautifully with delicate lantern like blooms.
- Dicentra spectabilis (Bleeding Heart) - Graceful arching pink blooms harmonize with the red and yellow of Little Lanterns.
- Astilbe (False Goats Beard) - Feathery plumes add vertical interest and attract additional pollinators.
- Fern (Ostrich Fern, Matteuccia struthiopteris) - Provides soft textured foliage to complement ferny columbine leaves.