They have proven to be hardy xeriscape plants in shady locations. Unprotected on a dry bank with a northern exposure one yellow and one red plant have survived for well over five years without care - including several periods of severe drought; but deer have limited their blooming and kept them from growing very large.
 Red Columbine, Aguilegia canadensis |
 Yellow Columbine, Aguilegia chrysantha |
For several years I kept the red columbine in 5-gallon pots in our creek in about an inch of water. The deer didn't bother them, but the plants only survived for two seasons. In a less lush environment it has been perennial. By contrast the yellow columbine did not tolerate 'wet feet.'
Hybridization of these two species has been common. Hybrids tend to keep the size of the larger yellow species, but add red to the flower, as in the above photo. Many young seedlings arise in adjacent pots, and most have been hybrids. Maintaining a population of pure yellow columbines has been a challenge.