Aquilegia caerulea ‘Crimson Star’ is a striking and elegant perennial plant known for its vibrant, two-tone flowers that add dramatic color to gardens. This cultivar features bold crimson-red sepals contrasted with white corollas, creating a stunning star-like appearance that makes it highly ornamental. Blooming in late spring to early summer, the flowers typically measure about 3 inches across and are characterized by their long, backward-pointing spurs, which attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. The plant grows to a height of about 24 to 30 inches with a spread of 12 to 18 inches, forming an airy clump of delicate, fern-like green foliage that remains attractive throughout the season. Preferring full sun to partial shade and well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil, ‘Crimson Star’ thrives in cottage gardens, borders, and woodland settings. It is relatively low-maintenance, though it appreciates regular watering during dry spells and benefits from deadheading to prolong blooming. Hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9, this columbine variety is deer- and rabbit-resistant, making it a dependable choice for wildlife-friendly and ornamental gardens alike.
 
Growing Instructions
 
1. Prepare a mixture of half potting soil and half sand, perlite or vermiculite. Water the mixture so that it is moist but not wet. 2. Put the seeds on the soil. 3. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. 4. Water the seeds. 5. Place the pots in an area with warm temperatures in full sun or part shade. 6. When the seedlings are a few inches tall, they can be transplanted.