Red columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)

Also known as: Wild columbine, American columbine

The Eastern Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), a relative of the buttercup, flourishes in the woodlands and rocky mountainous areas of eastern North America. Also known as wild columbine, it thrives in well-drained soils and is a favorite in cottage and hummingbird gardens. Its vibrant red and yellow blossoms are particularly attractive to hummingbirds.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Red columbine

Lifespan

Perennial, Biennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

15 cm to 90 cm

Spread

45 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

1.3 cm to 2.5 cm

Flower Color

Yellow Red Pink

Images of Red columbine

Quickly Identify Red columbine

Ternately compound leaves with deep lobes, 3 inches (7.6 cm) long, arranged basally and alternately.

Drooping, spurred, bell-like flowers, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in size, vibrant red and yellow.

Sturdy stem, 0.1-0.2 inches (2-5 mm) in diameter, green to reddish-green with possible hairiness.

Distinctive flower structure resembling an eagle's talon, nodding red and yellow flowers.

Fruit with 5 pod-shaped follicles, each with a prominent elongated beak, appearing dry and papery.

Scientific Classification of Red columbine

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Ranunculales

Family

Buttercup

Genus

Columbine

Species

Red columbine

Planting and Growing of Red columbine

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

4-6 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Red columbine?

Aquilegia canadensis prefers well-drained soil, and it's crucial to water moderately. You should aim for about 250 milliliters per watering session, enough to moisten the soil without creating waterlogged conditions. The goal is to keep the soil evenly moist but not saturated.

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Red columbine?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun, Full shade

Duration of light: 3 to 6 hours

Aquilegia canadensis ideally receives partial sun or full shade, benefiting from 3 to 6 hours of diffused sun. This lighting mimics its natural habitat, supporting lush growth while minimizing stress impacts.

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Red columbine?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

Aquilegia canadensis thrives in temperatures that range from 60 to 75°F. This range provides optimal conditions for growth and flowering. Plants within this temperature band benefit from balanced metabolic rates, which support healthy development. Maintaining the ideal temperature reduces stress and promotes robust growth, ensuring that the plant produces vibrant blooms.

What Soil is Best for Red columbine?

Soil type: Sandy loam, Loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Aquilegia canadensis thrives in well-drained soils that prevent waterlogging, which can harm the roots. Good drainage encourages air flow around the root system, promoting healthy growth and vibrant blooming. This plant prefers soils with moderate fertility levels. Excess nutrients, particularly nitrogen, can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Balanced nutrition supports its delicate blooms. Though it likes well-drained soil, having some moisture retention is key to prevent plants from drying out, especially during hot months. Proper moisture balance maintains vigor and prevents wilting. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Red columbine?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

When applying fertilizer to Aquilegia canadensis, it's important to administer a moderate amount to avoid over-feeding. Approximately 1 to 2 tablespoons of a balanced 10-10-10 or similar NPK ratio fertilizer per plant should suffice during the growing season to support healthy growth without overwhelming the plant. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Red columbine?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Start by identifying and removing any dead stems or leaves. This helps the plant focus its energy on healthy growth. Clip these at the base of the stem or branch. After dead growth is cleared, shape the plant by trimming stray or overly long stems. This helps maintain a compact and aesthetically pleasing form, allowing even light distribution. Deadhead wilted blooms regularly to encourage further flowering. Cut the flower stalks back to the base to prevent seed formation unless you wish to let them self-seed. Every couple of years, consider cutting back all the stems to ground level after blooming. This will rejuvenate the plant and promote vigorous new growth the following season. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Red columbine plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring

Fill a seed tray with well-draining soil mix. Scatter seeds over the soil surface and cover them lightly with more mix. Keep the tray in a cool, shaded area and mist regularly to maintain moisture.

Select healthy, non-flowering shoots. Cut below a node using pruning shears. Remove lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone before planting it in a pot with moist growing medium.

In early spring, gently dig up clumps. Use a sharp spade or knife to divide the roots into sections. Ensure each section has shoots and roots before replanting them in prepared soil.

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How to Repot Red columbine plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Recognizing the right moment to repot Aquilegia canadensis is crucial for its lush growth. If you notice the roots circling the pot, it's a clear sign that the plant is pot-bound and needs more room. Another indicator is when water drains too quickly through the soil, hinting that the roots have overtaken the pot's capacity. Ideally, repotting should be done early in the spring when new growth begins to emerge, as this allows the plant to recover and establish itself in the new soil before the growing season hits its peak.

Selecting an appropriate pot for Aquilegia canadensis is all about balance. Opt for a container that's one size larger than the current one to provide adequate space without overwhelming the roots. Look for pots with ample drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Materials like terracotta are excellent since they promote aeration and help keep the soil from becoming waterlogged, creating a healthy environment for root development.

When it comes to soil, Aquilegia canadensis thrives in a well-draining, sandy loam mix. This type of soil ensures aeration and prevents water from pooling around the roots, which can be detrimental. Incorporating a bit of organic matter like compost can also provide nutrients and aid in retaining just the right amount of moisture. Such a mix offers the perfect balance of drainage and nutrient retention, fostering robust growth and vibrant blooms.

Toxicity of Red columbine

Is Red columbine toxic to humans?

Red columbine poisoning is primarily associated with direct skin exposure to its damaged leaves and stems. This contact can trigger mild skin irritation as a result of a toxic chemical that may be emitted. Symptoms of poisoning in such instances can manifest as tingling sensations, numbness, ulceration, and irritation at the area of contact. While there are no recorded cases of poisoning linked to the ingestion of red columbine by humans, it is part of a plant family known to include species with mild toxicity.

Is Red columbine toxic to cat?

Red columbine possesses a mild level of toxicity for cats. If a cat ingests large quantities of any part of red columbine, it may result in poisoning. Symptoms following exposure tend to be non-specific and involve physical distress, which could worsen without swift medical attention. Due to these potential hazards, it is essential for cat owners to keep their pets from consuming any parts of red columbine and to promptly consult a veterinarian in the event of ingestion.

Is Red columbine toxic to dog?

The red columbine plant carries a mild toxicity risk for dogs. Although it is not severely toxic, consuming it in substantial amounts can result in poisoning. Dogs may be drawn to and eat different parts of the plant, as all components are deemed toxic. Toxic effects caused by red columbine may manifest as gastrointestinal disturbances, including vomiting or diarrhea, and in some instances, more serious reactions depending on the quantity ingested. It is crucial for dog owners to observe their pets closely and prevent them from eating red columbine. Should a dog ingest this plant and display any signs of poisoning, it is imperative to seek prompt veterinary assistance to ensure appropriate care and recovery.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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