For several years I kept the red columbine in 5-gallon pots in our creek in about an inch of water. The deer didn't bother them, but the plants only survived for two seasons. In a less lush environment it has been perennial. Hybrid Hybridization of these two species has been common. Hybrids tend to keep the size of the larger yellow species, but add red to the flower, as in the above photo.
Many young seedlings arise in adjacent pots, and most have been hybrids.
Maintaining a population of pure yellow columbines has been a challenge.