Aquilegia canadensis aka Red Columbine

Taxonomy

Aquilegia canadensis, also known as Canadian or Canada columbine, eastern red columbine, or wild columbine, is a species of herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae. It is native to woodland and rocky slopes in eastern North America, including Missouri, and is prized for its red and yellow drooping, bell-like flowers, which are quite attractive to hummingbirds. The flowers have red sepals, yellow-limbed petals, five distinctive red spurs, and a mass of bushy yellow stamens. The delicate, biternate foliage is somewhat suggestive of meadow rue and remains attractive throughout the summer as long as soils are kept moist. The genus name Aquilegia comes from the Latin word for eagle, in reference to the flower's five spurs, which purportedly resemble an eagle's talon, while the specific epithet canadensis means of Canada or also of northeastern North America. Wild Red Columbine is a super rare houseplant that is not challenging to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. It prefers long-lasting, direct light and should be less than one foot from a window. The plant likes soil that is well-draining and shouldn't need added fertilizers if you repot each time it doubles in size. Wild Red Columbine belongs to the Aquilegia genus and is native to North America. Additionally, Aquilegia canadensis readily hybridizes with other species in the genus Aquilegia.

Common names

Red Columbine, Wild Columbine, Meeting Houses

How to care for Red Columbine

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Red Columbine is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

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

Soil

Red 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

Red Columbine requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Red Columbine will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The Red Columbine should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

The Red Columbine is a clumping species, with new growth arising from the soil surrounding the parent plant.

Region of origin

Red Columbine’s native range is N. America - Nova Scotia to the Northwest Territories and south to Nebraska, Texas and Florida.


More info:
Wikipedia