High Country Gardens
Aquilegia chrysantha v. chaplinei 'Little Treasure' Dwarf Spur Columbine
Best compact perennial for small-space gardeners seeking pollinator-friendly blooms.
Discover the 'Little Treasure' Dwarf Spur Columbine, a rare gem from the shady canyons of New Mexico. This High Country Gardens exclusive boasts numerous bright yellow, upward-facing flowers with long spurs, gracing your garden from late spring for many weeks. Its delicate foliage resembles maidenhair fern, creating an attractive mound. Growing to a compact 15 inches tall and 10 inches wide, it thrives in compost-enriched soils and partial shade, making it ideal for small spaces and containers.
$12.59
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
29
/ 2989
#29 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-54%
Below average
Life Cycle
Perennial
/ Perennial
Who it's for
- Wildlife enthusiasts looking to attract hummingbirds to their yard
- Urban gardeners with limited patio or rock garden space
- Eco-conscious gardeners prioritizing low-water, sustainable landscapes
Who should skip it
- Gardeners in scorching climates without available afternoon shade
- Gardeners seeking permanent, low-maintenance perennial fixtures
- Picky growers who prioritize pristine, blemish-free foliage
Performance breakdown
Pollinator Appeal
High-impact nectar source that reliably draws hummingbirds and native bees.
Space Efficiency
Compact mounding habit fits perfectly into containers or tight garden borders.
Pest Resistance
Reliably deters deer and rabbits, saving you from constant garden maintenance.
Bloom Longevity
Extended flowering window provides consistent color throughout the late spring season.
Shade Adaptability
Thrives in low-light conditions where many other flowering perennials struggle.
Visual Texture
Maidenhair-like foliage adds sophisticated, airy contrast to any landscape design.
Key Specs
Life Cycle
Perennial
Mature Height
15 inches
Mature Spread
10 inches
Light Requirement
Partial Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade
Bloom Season
Spring, Summer
Growth Habit
Mounding
Deer Resistant
Yes
Pollinator Attractor
Hummingbirds, Butterflies, Bees
Features
- Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees
- Resistant to deer and rabbits
- Dwarf size for small spaces
- Delicate maidenhair-like foliage
- Upward-facing yellow flowers
- Long blooming period
- Exclusive High Country Gardens introduction
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly appreciate the exceptional quality and health of the 'Little Treasure' columbine upon delivery. Reviewers frequently noted the plants established quickly, demonstrating excellent hardiness and reliability, even in difficult garden spots. The dwarf size and unique yellow spurs were consistently praised, confirming the product's accurate design description. This plant delivers significant aesthetic value, making it a highly recommended addition for rock gardens and small spaces.
Know before you buy
Yes, its compact 15-inch height and 10-inch spread make it an excellent choice for containers. Ensure you use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
This variety is quite versatile and thrives in partial sun, partial shade, or even full shade. In hotter climates, it will perform best with protection from the intense afternoon sun.
While no plant is 100% immune to hungry wildlife, 'Little Treasure' is generally avoided by deer and rabbits. Its delicate foliage and spur-filled flowers are typically not their preferred food source.
Yes, 'Little Treasure' is a hardy perennial in USDA zones 5 through 9. It will go dormant in the winter and return with fresh foliage and blooms each spring.
This Columbine prefers loamy, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter like compost. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot, especially during the wetter months.
You can expect a long display of bright yellow flowers starting in late spring and continuing well into the summer. Regular deadheading can help encourage a tidy appearance and potentially extend the bloom window.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$13