Aquilegia formosa

[Maggi Young]

Welcome Equisetum - what an interesting story of your  journey with  the Oregon columbines.

What a shame there is so little chance to grow test batches from throughout the range of any plant  because that would be terrific-  but, as you say, not likely to be possible. 

You've got one thing spot on - yes, Scotland is pretty much all in shade- especially in comparison to California!

Oftentimes it is summer wet that rings the death knell for plants we are trying to grow from warmer areas, rather than winter wet or frost . I sometimes wonder why  we bother!

[Diane Whitehead]

It grows along streams on Vancouver Island, which probably makes it
more adaptable to an area that has rain in the summer

[Gene Mirro]

Diane, I know they like moist soil throughout the growing season, since they do well in the garden.  But I don't think it's a requirement for them, since they also grow naturally in soil without rain during July through September.  But keep in mind that the climate in their natural range is fairly cool in Summer, especially at night.  And they often grow in partial shade, and at higher elevations. 

Here is something to think about:  if you grow this plant in your garden and give it lots of water and fertilizer, it will probably get very big and have lots of flowers.  So it will need a lot of water.  The plants growing naturally never get to this size, and need much less water.    Look at the people who live close to a very good bakery.  They weigh a little more, right?  Local adaptation.

[Gene Mirro]

An example of an oversized garden plant, blooming now:



Growing in fairly heavy shade under a huge locust tree, with no water in summer.