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

Propagation: ❌ Propagation Prohibited Without License

More About Aquilegia ‘Earlybird™ Red & White’

Earlybird™ Red & White brings a boldness that most Columbines never quite achieve. The red petals are rich and saturated, not washed-out or pink-leaning, which makes a big difference in early Spring light. Paired with the white centers, the contrast feels deliberate rather than flashy. I’ve grown older red Columbines that looked strong for a month and then faded fast, but this one holds its color surprisingly well. The blooms rise cleanly above the foliage, giving the plant presence without overwhelming what’s around it. It’s eye-catching, but still refined.

The plant itself stays compact and balanced as it blooms. Unlike traditional Columbines that can stretch or splay outward, Earlybird™ Red & White keeps a neat, upright habit. The foliage forms a dense, tidy mound that supports the flowers instead of competing with them. I’ve noticed it reads especially well against neutral backgrounds like stone, mulch, or evergreen foliage. It doesn’t need staking, spacing tricks, or constant adjustment. Everything about it feels controlled and intentional.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trial gardens, Earlybird™ Red & White has proven to be a strong and steady Spring performer. It emerges evenly, flowers all at once, and doesn’t falter when we get those unpredictable cold snaps followed by warm spells. The stems stay upright even after heavy rain, which is not something I can say for many older Columbine varieties. It tolerates partial shade beautifully but still holds color in brighter light. Pollinators are quick to work the blooms, especially early butterflies and bees. It’s dependable without being boring.

I also appreciate how well it holds up visually in customer gardens. It looks polished from the moment it blooms until it finishes, without that messy decline Columbines are known for. It works well as a focal point in early Spring beds, but it also blends nicely when paired with softer pastels or whites. Deer pressure has been minimal for us, which adds to its appeal. Overall, Earlybird™ Red & White is bold, stable, and easy to place.

‘Earlybird™ Red & White’ vs. Other Columbine

Red & White is the boldest and most high-contrast variety of the Earlybird™ Series. 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.