High Country Gardens
Serpentine Columbine
Best shade-loving perennial for gardeners wanting low-maintenance, hummingbird-friendly native landscapes.
Elevate your garden with the Serpentine Columbine, a stunning California native perennial. This plant showcases large, downward-facing flowers in vibrant orange and yellow hues, blooming from late spring through summer. Reaching up to 60 inches tall, it thrives in shady or semi-shady spots and is perfect for naturalizing your landscape. It's a prolific re-seeder that attracts hummingbirds while being resistant to deer and rabbits. For optimal growth, provide well-drained, compost-enriched loam with moderate moisture.
$14.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
848
/ 2577
#848 in Flowers
Price vs Category Average
-63%
Below average
Mature Height
60
/ inches
Who it's for
- Conservationists looking to support local hummingbirds and bees
- Xeriscaping enthusiasts needing low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants
- Gardeners seeking sophisticated, airy spring blooms
Who should skip it
- Gardeners wanting permanent, long-lived landscape fixtures
- Owners of heavy, clay-based, or poorly draining soil
- Busy gardeners preferring low-maintenance, pest-free foliage
Performance breakdown
Pollinator Appeal
High-nectar orange blooms act as a magnet for local hummingbirds.
Wildlife Resilience
Robust defense against deer and rabbits protects your garden investment.
Naturalization Potential
Vigorous re-seeding habit effortlessly fills out wilder landscape corners.
Shade Adaptability
Thrives in low-light conditions where many other perennials struggle.
Visual Impact
Striking height and vibrant colors create a dramatic vertical focal point.
Maintenance Ease
Requires consistent moisture but rewards gardeners with minimal long-term fuss.
Key Specs
Mature Height
60 inches
Mature Spread
18 inches
Life Cycle
Perennial
Watering Needs
Moderate
Light Requirement
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
Bloom Season
Spring, Summer
Fragrance Level
No Fragrance
Pet Safe
False
Features
- Native California perennial species
- Long-lasting bloom period
- Attracts hummingbirds
- Resistant to deer and rabbits
- Vigorous re-seeder for naturalizing
- Unique orange and yellow flower colors
- Suitable for shade and semi-shade
- Improved varietal purity
What customers say
Gardeners consistently praise the Serpentine Columbine for its exceptional quality and striking design. Plants arrive healthy and establish quickly, even in difficult conditions. The unique yellow and red blooms provide reliable, dramatic color to perennial beds. This variety is celebrated for its hardiness and ease of care, offering gardeners dependable performance and distinctive beauty. It is a highly valued addition for those seeking both resilience and visual appeal in their gardens.
Know before you buy
This variety reaches a mature height of up to 60 inches. Because of its tall, upright habit, it generally supports itself well, but you may want to provide a light stake if your planting site is exposed to heavy winds.
The Serpentine Columbine is hardy in zones 4 through 10. It is a versatile perennial that adapts well to a wide range of temperatures across these zones.
Yes, this species is noted for its resistance to both deer and rabbits. While no plant is entirely immune to hungry wildlife, it is significantly less likely to be grazed upon than many other garden perennials.
While it can tolerate full sun in cooler climates, it performs best in partial sun or partial shade. Providing some protection from the intense afternoon sun will help keep the foliage healthy and the blooms vibrant.
This columbine is a vigorous re-seeder. If you leave the spent flower heads on the plant, it will drop seeds that germinate the following season, allowing the plant to gradually spread and fill in naturalized areas of your garden.
No, the Serpentine Columbine is not considered pet-safe. It is best to plant it in areas of your garden that are not easily accessible to curious dogs or cats.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$15