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Seeds - Red Columbine

Aquilegia canadensis

Minimum 100 semences par enveloppe

Sale price

Regular price $4.25
( / )
Format

Semences par gramme: 870

Année de récolte: 2024


Catégories: indigène, nectarifère, nouveauté, résiste aux cerfs, vivace,

Aire de répartition indigène: SK, MB, ON, QC,

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For successful seedlings,
see the growing notes at the bottom of the page!

Red columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) is a graceful and delicate perennial, distinguished by its nodding, bell-shaped flowers with red and yellow petals and long, elegant spurs. This plant, reaching heights of 30 to 60 cm, blooms in spring, typically in May and June, adding colour and movement to gardens. Its finely divided, bluish-green foliage persists into summer, providing an attractive texture even after flowering. The columbine naturalizes easily and tolerates a variety of soils, provided they are well-drained. It is particularly prized for its appeal to hummingbirds, which come to feed on the nectar produced by its unique flowers.

Ecological Role
Red columbine is a key species for restoring understory habitats and semi-shaded prairies. With its ability to tolerate partial shade and adapt to drier or moderately moist soils, it is an excellent choice for enhancing plant diversity in disturbed or degraded areas. The nectar-rich flowers attract a wide variety of pollinators, including hummingbirds and bees, making this plant a beneficial addition to ecological restoration projects aimed at supporting wildlife. It is also valued in woodland gardens, where it contributes to the natural balance while offering an attractive floral display.

 

Red columbine seeds require cold stratification to ensure germination. See the cultivation notes below for more details.

Akène cannot assume any responsibility for the use of plants for therapeutic purposes. Always seek advice from a professional before using a medicinal or edible plant.

Growing Notes | Seeds - Red Columbine

Red columbine seeds require cold stratification to improve germination. Mix 2 to 3 tablespoons of moist vermiculite with the seeds in a sealed bag and place it in the refrigerator for about 60 days. After the stratification period is complete, sow the seeds on the surface of a light, well-draining potting mix. Do not cover the seeds too deeply, as they need light to germinate. Germination can take 20 to 30 days.

The seedlings can be transplanted directly in spring after the last frost, in a partially shaded or full sun location with well-drained soil. Red columbine prefers soils rich in organic matter but can also tolerate poorer soils once well established. Light watering may be necessary after transplanting, but this plant is relatively drought-tolerant afterward. It naturalizes easily and self-seeds, allowing for colonies to form over time.

Red columbine does not require pinching of the stems, and its maintenance is minimal. Deadheading spent flowers can prolong the blooming period and prevent excessive seed production if desired. This plant is resistant to most diseases, but proper spacing between plants can help minimize the risk of powdery mildew in humid areas.

At Akène, we enjoy cultivating it alongside zigzag goldenrod, a goldenrod that thrives in partial shade and adds golden accents later in the season.

Seeds per packet: 100

Family: Ranunculaceae

Scientific name: Aquilegia canadensis

Life cycle: Perennial

Hardiness zone: 3

Soil type:
Sandy to silty

Soil moisture level: Dry to medium

Soil - additional attributes: Poor, rocky, well-drained

Light: Sun, partial shade

Blooming: May to June

Spacing: 35 cm

Height: 45 cm

Deer resistance: High

Stratification: 60 days

Scarification: No

Germination time: 20 to 30 days

Sowing depth: 3 mm