Western Columbine

aquilegia formosa

Also known as: ["Western Red Columbine","Rocky Mountain Columbine"]

Family: Ranunculaceae Genus: Aquilegia Category: Flowers

Overview

A perennial herbaceous plant native to western North America, known for its distinctive red and yellow spurred flowers.

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 formosa

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: garden bed with partial shade, or container in a sheltered spot
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Moderately well-draining to well-draining.
  • Soil Type: Rich, well-draining soil with organic matter like compost or leaf mold.
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; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full sun (4–6 hours of morning sun); adjust to dappled light in hotter climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to prevent scorching; provide shade during intense afternoon sun; suitable for both indoor bright spots and outdoor partial shade.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or improper watering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

partial shade to full sun

Morning sun is ideal; avoid harsh afternoon sun; adjust light based on season.

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-draining, loamy soil with organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; enrich soil with organic matter annually; avoid compacted soil.

Temperature

Cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C); prefers cooler summers and tolerates mild frosts.

Protect from extreme cold; provide shade in hot climates; maintain consistent temperatures during active growth.

Fertilizing

every 2–3 months during growing season

Fertilize sparingly to avoid excessive foliage growth; stop fertilizing before flowering to promote blooms; use organic options like compost tea.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or seed propagation; seeds are the most common method for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and humid.
  6. Or sow seeds.
  7. Cold stratify if needed.
  8. Provide indirect light.

Best Time: Early spring for cuttings; late summer to early fall for seeds.

Environment

Warm (65–70°F or 18–21°C), high humidity, and indirect light for cuttings; cooler (50–60°F or 10–15°C) for seeds to stratify.

Medium

Well-draining seed starting mix or perlite and peat moss for cuttings.

Hormone

Optional for cuttings, but rooting hormone can improve success rates.

Timeline

Seeds may take 3–4 weeks to germinate; cuttings root in 2–4 weeks and establish in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, seed trays, misting spray bottle, heating mat (optional).

Quick Tips

Use fresh seeds for better germination; maintain consistent moisture for cuttings; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Deadhead spent flowers; trim back overgrown stems; cut just above a leaf node or bud.

Pruning Plan

Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; trim leggy stems to maintain shape; cut back foliage after flowering to tidy the plant.

Tools

Pruning shears, clean scissors, gloves.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune after flowering; remove dead or diseased parts; shape lightly.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter).

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for rejuvenation.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; avoid wetting foliage.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture reaches the root zone without saturating the soil; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the root zone without disturbing the soil surface.
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 well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and drainage; incorporate perlite or sand if soil is heavy.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or premature flowering in extreme heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf damage or dieback in prolonged freezing temperatures.

Solution: Mulch to insulate roots; protect from frost with a cover; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; flowering may be reduced in excessive heat.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; improve air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid late-season feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and early summer; avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Aquilegia formosa may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Aquilegia formosa can result from water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Aquilegia formosa are often caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Aquilegia formosa due to excessive moisture or fungal pathogens, causing decay and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats are susceptible to the toxic effects of Aquilegia formosa, which can cause gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms. The alkaloids in the plant may lead to discomfort and mild poisoning in felines.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea tremors depression
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent cats from accessing the plant. Seek veterinary care if ingestion is observed or suspected.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of Aquilegia formosa can lead to mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset and neurological disturbances due to the presence of isoquinoline alkaloids. Symptoms are typically not severe but warrant monitoring.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy loss of coordination
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep pets away from the plant. If ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian promptly.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Aquilegia formosa contains toxic compounds, primarily isoquinoline alkaloids, which can cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal distress and neurological symptoms upon ingestion. The plant's effects are generally not life-threatening but can be unpleasant.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea dizziness headache
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion. Wash hands after handling the plant, especially if gardening or preparing floral arrangements.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Aquilegia formosa toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

Q: Does Aquilegia formosa attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.

Q: How much sunlight does Aquilegia formosa need?

A: It prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.

Quick Reference
Family: Ranunculaceae
Care: easy
Light: partial shade to full sun
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Verdun Larkspur
View
Gentian Windflower
View
Meadow Anemone
View
Christmas Rose
View