Aquilegia aka Columbine

Taxonomy

Aquilegia, also known as granny's bonnet or columbine, is a genus of about 60-70 species of perennial plants. These plants can be found in meadows, woodlands, and at higher altitudes throughout the Northern Hemisphere. They are known for their unique flowers with spurred petals. Aquilegia plants are short-lived and clump-forming, growing up to 60cm tall. They have blue-green, divided foliage that forms a basal mound. The flowers, which bloom from early spring into summer, are large and face outward or upward. They have mid-length spurs and come in a variety of colors including white, yellow, and bicolours with shades of red, pink, and purple. Aquilegia plants are perennial herbs with woody, erect stocks and thick rhizomes. The basal leaves are compound and 1-3 ternate, with lobulate and obtuse lobes. The cauline leaves resemble the basal ones, while the upper leaves are bract-like.

Common names

Columbine, Aquilegia Biedermeier

How to care for Columbine

Difficulty

Caring for Columbine is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Columbine should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Columbine loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Columbine requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Aquilegia Biedermeier is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Columbine to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Fertilizer

The Columbine should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.


More info:
Wikipedia