Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Earlybird™ Purple Yellow Columbine (Aquilegia chrysantha 'Earlybird Purple Yellow') is a variety of columbine that is known for its bright purple and yellow flowers. It is a popular choice for gardens due to its striking color combination and ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. In terms of growth habit, Earlybird™ Purple Yellow Columbine is an herbaceous perennial plant that grows to be about 9 to 11 inches tall and 8 to 12 inches wide. It has upright stems with delicate, long-spurred flowers that bloom in the spring and early summer.
Earlybird™ Purple Yellow Columbine is generally resistant to diseases but can develop fungal infections if the soil is overly wet or the plant is too crowded. This plant is generally deer resistant, but this can vary depending on the individual plant and the deer population in the area. It is also generally drought tolerant, but will perform best with regular watering. This columbine works wonderfully in a woodland garden, cottage garden, perennial border, or rock garden.
Earlybird™ Purple Yellow Columbine Care
This perennial prefers rich, well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. Water your columbine regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Fertilize the plant once in the spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth. Earlybird™ Purple Yellow Columbine is well suited to growing in containers. Be sure to use a well-draining potting mix and water the plant when the top layer of soil dries out. Place the container in a sunny location, but protect the plant from hot afternoon sun and drying winds.
To encourage new growth and maintain a neat appearance, regularly prune Earlybird™ by deadheading spent flowers and trimming back overgrown or leggy stems. Deadheading also prevents this plant from self-seeding. Cut the spent growth to the ground in early spring.
Earlybird™ Purple Yellow Columbine Spacing
When planting this columbine in a garden bed, space the plants about 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for proper growth. If planting in a container, choose a pot at least 12 inches in diameter to provide enough room for the plant to grow.
Earlybird™ Purple Yellow Columbine Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 3 to 9 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Full Shade to Part Shade (0-4 Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 6-11 Inches
- Mature Spread
- 6-18 Inches
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Growth Habit
- , Mounded, Clumping
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Purple, Yellow
- Flower Description
- Deep purple and bright yellow bicolor
- Bloom Time
- Early to Mid-Spring
- Harvest Time
- Late Spring to Early Summer (May to June)
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Green
- Foliage Type
- , Herbaceous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Earlybird™ Purple Yellow Columbine
- Also Known As
- Earlybird Purple Yellow Columbine
- Botanical Name
- Aquilegia EARLYBIRD Purple Yellow
- Plant Type
- Perennial
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!