Aquilegia Oxysepala

Description

Aquilegia Oxysepala, commonly known as Red Columbine or Crimson Columbine, is a beautiful perennial plant that belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. This plant is native to western North America, specifically in the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada, where it grows in moist areas such as meadows, streambanks, and open woods.The plant is known for its striking, red to crimson flowers that have a long, curved spur at the back. The flowers are about 1 to 2 inches in diameter and bloom from late spring to early summer. The foliage of Aquilegia Oxysepala is made up of blue-green, lobed leaves that are finely divided.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Aquilegia Oxysepala is a beautiful plant that can grow up to 2 feet in height and 1 foot in diameter. The plant has a clump-forming growth habit and produces multiple stems from a single rootstock. The stems are thin, wiry, and have a reddish tint.The flowers of Aquilegia Oxysepala are the most striking feature of the plant. They are red to crimson in color, have five petals, and a long, curved spur at the back. The flowers bloom in late spring to early summer and attract hummingbirds and bees.The foliage of Aquilegia Oxysepala is made up of blue-green, lobed leaves that are finely divided. The leaves are about 2 to 3 inches long and grow in a basal rosette.

Care Guide

Aquilegia Oxysepala is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow. Here are some tips on how to take care of this plant:Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering during the winter months.Fertilization: Aquilegia Oxysepala does not require frequent fertilization. Apply a slow-release fertilizer once a year in early spring.Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic.Sunlight: Aquilegia Oxysepala prefers partial to full shade. Avoid planting the plant in direct sunlight, as it can scorch the foliage.Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Aquilegia Oxysepala is relatively pest and disease-free. However, the plant can be susceptible to powdery mildew, leaf spot, and rust. To prevent these diseases, avoid overhead watering and provide good air circulation around the plant.

Habitat

Aquilegia Oxysepala is native to western North America, specifically in the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada. The plant grows in moist areas such as meadows, streambanks, and open woods.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Aquilegia Oxysepala grow in containers?
A: Yes, Aquilegia Oxysepala can grow in containers as long as the soil is well-drained and the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.Q: Does Aquilegia Oxysepala attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Aquilegia Oxysepala attracts hummingbirds and bees with its red to crimson flowers.Q: How often should I fertilize Aquilegia Oxysepala?
A: Aquilegia Oxysepala does not require frequent fertilization. Apply a slow-release fertilizer once a year in early spring.Q: Can Aquilegia Oxysepala tolerate full sun?
A: No, Aquilegia Oxysepala prefers partial to full shade. Planting the plant in direct sunlight can scorch the foliage.

Related Plants

Here are some related plants to Aquilegia Oxysepala:

• Aquilegia canadensis
• Aquilegia chrysantha
• Aquilegia flabellata
• Aquilegia vulgaris

References

• “Aquilegia Oxysepala.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 14 September 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280124&isprofile=0&%3Bperennial=0&%3Bhardinesszone=0%26s%3daquilegia%20oxysepala%26cultivar%3d%26commonname%3d%26pageno%3d1%26si%3d%26featureid%3d%26groupid%3d%26sort%3d%26lid%3d%26facet%3d>.
• “Aquilegia Oxysepala.” Plant Finder. Accessed 14 September 2021. <https://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/3040/red-columbine/>.
• “Aquilegia Oxysepala.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed 14 September 2021. <https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=AOXY>.