How to Grow Mission Bells
Wikimedia Commons
Mission Bells
Aquilegia formosa
flowerMission Bells is a native North American columbine featuring distinctive red and yellow bell-shaped flowers that hang delicately from tall, branching stems. This perennial attracts hummingbirds and pollinators while thriving in woodland and semi-shaded garden settings. The finely divided foliage adds textural interest even after flowering.
When should you plant Mission Bells in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Mission Bells timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Mission Bells
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Mission Bells blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Mission Bells dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in zones 4-8
Sign up free to see if Mission Bells grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Mission Bells timeline →Growth Stages
Seed/Germination
2-4 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with first true leaves appearing within 2-3 weeks. Seeds require a period of cold stratification (2-4 weeks) for best germination.
Keep soil moist but not soggy. Provide bright, indirect light. Seedlings are delicate and benefit from consistent moisture and good air circulation to prevent damping off.
Seedling & First Year Vegetative
4-6 monthsYoung plants develop compound foliage with characteristic finely divided leaves. Plants grow slowly the first year, establishing a root system.
Keep consistently moist. Do not allow to dry out. Provide partial shade. Avoid transplanting until plants are 2-3 inches tall. Patience is key—plants focus on root development rather than dramatic top growth.
Spring Emergence (Year 2)
4-6 weeksEstablished plants send up tall stems with abundant finely textured foliage. Flower buds begin forming in spring.
Provide consistent moisture as growth accelerates. Stake tall varieties if needed to prevent flopping. Fertilize lightly with balanced fertilizer in early spring.
Flowering
6-8 weeks (May-June typically)Bell-shaped bicolored flowers bloom in clusters along branching stems, typically red outer sepals with yellow inner petals. Flowers attract hummingbirds and bees.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional blooms and extend flowering season. Keep soil moderately moist. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues on flowers.
Seed Set & Dormancy
Variable; dormancy lasts through winterAfter flowering, seed pods develop and mature. Foliage may yellow and decline in summer heat. Plants go dormant in winter.
Allow some flowers to remain for seed collection if desired. Cut back dead foliage in late fall or early spring. Mulch lightly in cold climates to protect crowns. Reduce watering.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Remove affected leaves; treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap in early infestation. Usually not a major problem.
-
and
Hand-pick in early morning or evening. Create barriers with copper tape. Beer traps or diatomaceous earth can be effective.
-
Prune affected foliage. Use spinosad or neem oil for heavy infestations. Usually tolerable on established plants.
-
Ensure good air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur dust or baking soda spray if severe.
Uses
Hummingbird Magnet
WildlifeMission Bells' bright red and yellow tubular flowers are specifically adapted to attract hummingbirds, which are their primary pollinators in the wild. The abundant nectar provides essential energy for migrating hummingbirds. [source]
Cut Flowers & Arrangements
CraftThe graceful bell-shaped flowers and airy branching stems make excellent additions to fresh flower arrangements and woodland-style bouquets. Flowers are long-lasting when cut in early morning. [source]
Shade Garden Design
HouseholdMission Bells adds vertical interest and delicate texture to partially shaded woodland gardens, cottage gardens, and shade borders where it provides early season color. [source]
Edible Flowers
CulinaryThe flowers are edible with a slightly sweet taste and can be used as a colorful garnish for salads and desserts, though they are primarily grown as ornamentals. [source]
Traditional Plant Medicine
MedicinalNative American tribes traditionally used aquilegia species for various medicinal purposes, though modern use is limited and cultivation as ornamentals is now the primary application. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Mission Bells is primarily grown for ornamental flowers and does not produce a harvestable crop. Cut flowers for arrangements by harvesting stems in early morning when flowers are just opening. For seed collection, allow seed pods to mature and dry on the plant, then collect before they fully shatter. Seeds can be harvested in late summer through early fall.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Mission Bells is named after the distinctive bell-shaped flowers and has been a popular plant in California missions and gardens since colonial times.
- 🌱 Aquilegia flowers have unusual spurred petals that evolved specifically to be pollinated by long-beaked hummingbirds; the name 'Aquilegia' comes from the Latin word for eagle, referring to the eagle-like spur of the flower.
- 🌱 The plants self-seed readily and can create naturalized colonies over time, making them excellent for woodland gardens and native plant restoration projects.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Mission Bells planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Mission Bells seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Mission Bells timeline →