Botanical Name: Aquilegia × hybrida ‘Earlybird™ Red & White’

Common Name: Columbine

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in Most Climates (USDA Zones 3–8)

Size: 10–14" Tall × 10–14" Spread

Growth Habit: Compact, Upright, Clump-Forming Habit

Sunlight: Partial Shade to Full Sun (Best with Afternoon Shade in Warmer Regions)

Soil: Prefers Moist, Well-Drained Soil; Adapts to Average Garden Soils

Water Needs: Moderate; Consistent Moisture for Best Performance

Bloom Season: Early to Mid-Spring

Fertilizer: Light Feeding in Early Spring

Features: Bicolor Red & White Nodding Blooms, Ferny Blue-Green Foliage, Early Bloom Time, Pollinator Friendly

Uses: Ideal for Shade Gardens, Woodland Gardens, Borders, Containers, and Early Spring Color

Patent: ✔ Patented

Plant Patent: PAS1258484

Propagation: ❌ Propagation Prohibited Without License

More About Aquilegia ‘Earlybird™ Red & White’

Aquilegia ‘Earlybird™ Red & White’ delivers bold, high-contrast spring color with its striking bicolor blooms. The nodding flowers feature rich red outer petals accented by a crisp white center, creating a classic columbine silhouette with modern color clarity. The long spurs add movement and elegance, making this variety especially eye-catching in early-season plantings.

As part of the Earlybird™ series, this selection was bred to bloom earlier and grow more uniformly than traditional columbines. Unlike older varieties that can be tall or unpredictable, ‘Earlybird™ Red & White’ stays compact and tidy, making it easy to use in containers and front-of-border placements.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, ‘Earlybird™ Red & White’ has been a dependable early bloomer that brings vibrant color to the garden when little else is flowering. It establishes quickly, maintains a neat clump, and produces abundant blooms without flopping or requiring staking.

We especially appreciate its versatility in design. It performs beautifully in part shade and woodland settings and pairs well with spring companions like hellebores, brunnera, early hostas, and bulbs. Early-season pollinators—especially native bees—visit the flowers regularly, adding ecological value alongside its ornamental appeal.

‘Earlybird™ Red & White’ vs. Other Columbine

Earlybird™ Red & White is the boldest and most high-contrast variety of the group. While Earlybird™ White stays subtle and neutral, Red & White immediately draws the eye with crisp color separation and strong visual definition. Compared to Blue & White, it reads warmer and more energetic, and unlike Earlybird™ Yellow—which delivers solid color—Red & White adds pattern and movement. This variety is ideal for gardeners who want their early-season color to stand out sharply rather than blend in.