Eastern Red Columbine
aquilegia canadensis
Also known as: ["Canadian Columbine","Wild Columbine"]
Overview
A native North American perennial with distinctive red and yellow flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ranunculales |
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Genus: | Aquilegia |
| Botanical Name: | Aquilegia canadensis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: woodland garden, rock garden, or border in partial shade
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to moderate-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates rocky or sandy soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; as needed to remove dead or damaged growth.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on selective removal rather than heavy cutting.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full sun (4–6 hours of morning sun, filtered afternoon light preferred); adjust based on intensity and season.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun; place in dappled light indoors or in a sheltered outdoor spot.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyModerate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Morning sun is best; avoid hot afternoon sun; rotate plants for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water at the base to avoid foliage, ensure soil dries slightly between waterings, and avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-drained, loamy, slightly alkaline soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage, enrich with organic matter, avoid waterlogging, adjust pH if necessary.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cold but prefers not to exceed 80°F (27°C) for prolonged periods.
Avoid extreme heat; protect from frost; maintain moderate temperatures for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 3–4 months with balanced, slow-release fertilizer
Fertilize sparingly to avoid leafy growth at the expense of flowers; stop fertilizing after flowering ceases.
Propagation
Methods
Seed propagation or division of clumps; seeds require stratification for germination.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Collect seeds, stratify for 4–6 weeks, sow shallowly.
- Divide clumps by cutting through roots, replant immediately.
Best Time: Early spring for division; late summer to early fall for seed sowing (after stratification).
Environment
Cool temperatures (60–65°F or 15–18°C), high humidity, and partial shade for seeds; similar conditions for division.
Medium
Well-draining seed-starting mix or sandy loam for division.
Hormone
Not required for seeds; rooting hormone may aid division if roots are damaged.
Timeline
Seeds: 2–3 weeks for germination after stratification; division: immediate establishment.
Tools Needed
Pruners, trowel, pots, seed trays, plastic wrap (for humidity), labels.
Quick Tips
Stratify seeds properly; divide only when clumps are overcrowded; keep seedlings moist but not waterlogged.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead by cutting spent flowers just above a leaf node; thin stems by cutting at the base.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming and maintain plant vigor; thin out crowded stems to improve air circulation.
Tools
Clean pruners or scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Clean tools, deadhead spent flowers, remove weak stems, improve air circulation, sanitize tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot); no more than a 2-inch increase in diameter.
Method
Gently remove the plant, trim any dead roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot only if the plant becomes root-bound or outgrows its container; generally prefers being slightly pot-bound.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot, prepare fresh soil, trim roots if needed, water lightly, place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting foliage, adjust seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until the soil is moist but not waterlogged; ensure water penetrates the root ball and allow excess to drain away.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth, reducing frequency in winter; adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or aged manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or premature flowering in excessive heat; yellowing or browning in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf damage or dieback in extreme cold; roots can become dormant.
Solution: Mulch to insulate roots, protect from frost, and avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; flowering may be reduced; growth can become stressed.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, water deeply, and ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer, apply during growing season, avoid winter, target root zone, rinse tools after use.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply monthly during active growth (spring to early summer), avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are sensitive to the toxic compounds in Aquilegia canadensis, particularly in the seeds and roots. Ingestion can result in mild to moderate gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Aquilegia canadensis seeds and roots can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset and neurological disturbances. While not typically fatal, symptoms can cause distress.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicAquilegia canadensis contains toxic compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and neurological symptoms if ingested in significant quantities. The plant's effects are generally not life-threatening but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Aquilegia canadensis require full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun with adequate moisture.
Q: Is Aquilegia canadensis deer resistant?
A: It has moderate resistance to deer but may be browsed in some areas.
Q: How tall does Aquilegia canadensis grow?
A: It typically reaches 1 to 3 feet in height.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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