Aquilegia canadensis 'Little Lanterns'

Dwarf Wild Columbine

A charming compact selection of native Eastern columbine with bright red and yellow, lantern-like flowers on sturdy stems. ‘Little Lanterns’ is bred for a neater habit and more prolific bloom than species types, making it excellent for small gardens, containers, and pollinator plantings.

Key features



Width: 10–14 in (0.8–1.2 ft)



Height: 14–20 in (1.2–1.7 ft)



Flower color: Red outer petals with yellow inner petals (lantern-like)



Bloom time: Mid to late spring



Foliage: Blue-green, finely divided, fern-like



Form: Compact, clump-forming



Life cycle: Short-lived herbaceous perennial (often self-seeds)



Growing conditions



Sun: Full sun to part shade (performs well in light woodland settings)



Soil: Average to moist, well-drained; adaptable



Water: Moderate; tolerates some drought once established



Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–8



Landscape use



Perennial borders and front beds



Containers and patio pots



Woodland and native gardens



Pollinator gardens (excellent for hummingbirds)



Notes



Highly attractive to hummingbirds and bees



Generally deer and rabbit resistant



Can_self-seed softly to form informal drifts



Great choice where space is limited but spring color is desired

Plant type

Perennial

Height

8"

Width

8"-10"

Hardiness zones

3–8

Sunlight

Full Shade, Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Spring, Spring, Summer

Flower color

Red, Yellow

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Attracts

Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Landscape use

Border, Rock Garden

Shape

Clump

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No