Overview
Aquilegia canadensis is a clump-forming perennial in the genus Aquilegia, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.6 m tall. Aquilegia canadensis grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6, H7. Suggested uses include cottage gardens, informal spaces, wildlife gardens and cut flowers. It is native to Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky and Maine.
About
Aquilegia canadensis, the Canadian columbine, Canada columbine, eastern red columbine, or wild columbine, is a species of flowering plant in the buttercup family. It is a perennial plant that is native to the woodlands and rocky areas in eastern North America in both the United States and southern Canada.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Aquilegia canadensis
About the genus
Aquilegia, commonly known as columbines, is a genus of perennial flowering plants in the family Ranunculaceae (buttercups). The genus includes between 70 and 400 taxa with natural ranges across the Northern Hemisphere. Natural and introduced populations of Aquilegia exist on all continents but Antarctica.
Wikipedia contributors, "Aquilegia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Aquilegia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Aquilegia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South, East, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6, H7
Plant details
Aquilegia canadensis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.6 m
- Suggested uses
- Cottage gardens, Informal spaces, Wildlife gardens, Cut flowers
- Native to
- Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Aquilegia canadensis
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist but well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil pH; grows well in full sun to partial shade; benefits from mulching to retain moisture
- Pruning
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming; cut back foliage after flowering to maintain plant health
- Propagation
- Seed sown in spring, late summer or early autumn
- Pest resistance
- Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Aquilegia downy mildew
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Aquilegia canadensis?
Prefers moist but well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil pH; grows well in full sun to partial shade; benefits from mulching to retain moisture.
Where is the best place to plant Aquilegia canadensis?
Aquilegia canadensis prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Aquilegia canadensis need?
Aquilegia canadensis grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Aquilegia canadensis?
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming; cut back foliage after flowering to maintain plant health.
How big does Aquilegia canadensis grow?
Aquilegia canadensis reaches a height of 0.6 m.
Is Aquilegia canadensis hardy in the UK?
Aquilegia canadensis has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Aquilegia canadensis?
Seed sown in spring, late summer or early autumn.
More in the Aquilegia genus
- Aquilegia 'Blue Barlow'Columbine
- Aquilegia 'Kristall'Columbine
- Aquilegia flabellata 'Ministar'Fan Columbine
- Aquilegia nigrescensColumbines
