Aquilegia 'McKana Mix'
Best perennial for gardeners seeking low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly woodland color.
Aquilegia 'McKana Mix', commonly known as Columbine, offers a stunning display of multicolored flowers on upright stems, blooming from late spring into early summer. This perennial plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained, fertile soil with consistent moisture. Growing to a height of 22-24 inches and spreading 16-20 inches, it's ideal for woodland borders, containers, or as a specimen. Attracting butterflies and hummingbirds, it is also rabbit-resistant and makes an excellent cut flower, lasting up to two weeks in a vase. Ships as 7 perennial bareroots, grade #1.
$24.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
717
/ 3090
#717 in Plant & Flower Bulbs
Price vs Category Average
+6%
Above average
Height
2224
/ - Inches
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking a vibrant, colorful landscape display
- Conservationists looking to support local pollinator populations
- Homeowners living in areas with high deer traffic
Who should skip it
- Gardeners wanting long-term, permanent perennial fixtures
- Minimalists preferring strictly controlled, low-maintenance garden beds
- Perfectionists bothered by minor aesthetic foliage imperfections
Performance breakdown
Pollinator Attraction
High-nectar blooms act as a magnet for local hummingbirds and butterflies.
Garden Versatility
Adapts seamlessly from woodland borders to containers and cut flower arrangements.
Pest Resistance
Reliably deters rabbits, keeping your garden beds intact and thriving.
Establishment Speed
First-year flowering ensures immediate visual impact for your landscape design.
Environmental Adaptability
Thrives across a wide range of zones with flexible light requirements.
Vase Longevity
Sturdy stems provide a respectable two-week lifespan for indoor floral displays.
Key Specs
Height
22-24 Inches
Spread
16-20 Inches
Hardiness Zone
3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Ships As
7 Perennial Bareroots #1 Grade
Sun or Shade?
Full sun (> 6 hrs. direct sun) Part shade (4-6 hrs. direct sun)
Wet or dry?
Average water needs, Consistent water needs
How fast should it grow?
Medium
Features
- First-year flowering
- Upright stems and upward-facing flowers
- Beautiful array of colors
- Lovely when naturalized in shady, woodland borders
- Excellent potential as cut flowers
- Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
- Rabbit resistant
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Aquilegia 'McKana Mix' for its exceptional ease of growth and the stunning quality of its vibrant, diverse blooms. Many gardeners, even novices, report high germination rates and robust plants that effortlessly transform their spaces into colorful havens. The mix delivers a spectacular array of unique flowers, exceeding expectations for beauty and resilience. This product offers a delightful and straightforward gardening experience, yielding impressive results that truly enhance any garden.
Know before you buy
Yes, this variety is specifically selected for first-year flowering, so you can expect to see blooms shortly after the plants establish themselves in your garden.
These plants are versatile and thrive in both full sun and partial shade. Aim for at least four hours of direct sunlight daily to ensure the best growth and flower production.
While no plant is entirely immune to hungry wildlife, Columbines are generally considered rabbit-resistant. Their foliage is typically unappealing to rabbits, making them a safer choice for gardens prone to browsing.
Plant your bareroots as soon as possible in well-drained, fertile soil. Ensure they are kept consistently moist during the initial growing period to help them establish a strong root system.
Absolutely. The 'McKana Mix' makes an excellent cut flower, and with proper care, the stems can last up to two weeks in a vase.
With their 22-24 inch height, they work beautifully in woodland borders, containers, or as a focal point in a perennial bed. Their upright, colorful blooms are particularly effective at attracting hummingbirds and butterflies to your garden.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$25