The Red Columbine is supposed to be a favorite. I'm looking for a live plant to try out this year. It's scientific name is Aquilegia canadensis. Try this link:

Here is a link that might be useful: Ruby Throat

Great! Thanks for that one. I will look for it.

Jenny,
I grow Eastern Native Columbine. It blooms the second year from seed. They are supposed to be short lived perennials and that is probably why they develop so much seed which once established will reseed by itself. I have several that I grew from seed last year as I can never find plants of this one at the local nurseries. They only carry hybrids. This is an early blooming perennial for us here in the northeast. Another columbine that is good for hummers is the Colorado blue columbine (Aquilegia caerulea) and Golden Columbine (Aquilegia chysantha) which is native to Texas.

Penny

I bought a couple Aquilegia canadensis 'Little Lanterns' at Lowe's a few days ago. They had them at Wal-Mart last year too and I bought one because it had lots of seeds on it. I got several seedlings from it in late summer/early fall (can't remember for sure when) last year. The link below says "Little Lanterns is a compact version of the species that grows to only 10" tall". I expect the seedlings to be a little taller than Little Lanterns but that's fine.

Here is a link that might be useful: Aquilegia canadensis 'Little Lanterns'

Thanks for the additional suggestions of ones to look for. I noticed that some of the nurseries around here have been selling them more and more (particularly ones with large flowerheads), so I'll be on the lookout!

Jenny,
My first columbine was a pretty ruffled grannie's bonnet and though the flowers were lovely the hummers paid very little attention to it. I will be removing it this year to an area where it can't cross with my native columbines as they are notorious for cross pollinating.

Penny

Thanks Penny. I'll have to look for the natives definitely!

I should've asked if anyone else has Little Lanterns and if they think it's just as good as the straight species. I assume it's only shorter but maybe hummingbirds won't like to fly down that low.
I have some other columbines that aren't canandensis but I don't know what they are. I have several that have dark purple/blue flowers and another that has double bicolor flowers and I haven't seen any hummingbirds going to them. I don't have a lot of hummingbirds though so maybe I just haven't caught them yet.

Christie,
I have looked at Little Lanterns in the past but I personally opted not to plant them since they are so low to the ground. I don't know if the hummers will use them or not.

Penny

Jenny,

I started my columbine Jan. 20th, and they're healthy little plants now. Do you think mine will bloom this year?

Thanks,
Lynn

Penny - I wonder too about the height. I'm hoping the seedlings will be taller than the original plant. If not then I guess I could put some in a container so they will be up higher.