Dark columbine Plant Care
Aquilegia atrata W.D.J.Koch
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Aquilegia atrata, the dark columbine, is a perennial species of flowering plant in the family Ranunculaceae, native to the Alps and Apennine Mountains.
Every 7–10 days
Partial shade to full sun
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Dark columbine?
Water Dark columbine every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial shade to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Dark columbine?
Dark columbine (Aquilegia atrata) belongs to the Ranunculaceae family within the Aquilegia genus. Dark columbine is native to the Alps and Apennine Mountains. Dark columbine is also known as Black columbine.
Dark columbine displays an upright, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Dark columbine produces unique spurred flowers in various colors like blue, purple, pink, yellow.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Dark columbine?
Aquilegia atrata requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Dark columbine Need?
Dark columbine thrives in partial shade to full sun.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Dark columbine Prefer?
Aquilegia atrata grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Dark columbine prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Dark columbine?
Moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Dark columbine to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Dark columbine?
Feed Dark columbine every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Dark columbine?
Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Dark columbine?
Dark columbine can be propagated through seeds.
Is the Dark columbine Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Dark columbine, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Dark columbine?
Dark columbine is susceptible to aphids, leaf miners, slugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Dark columbine Need?
Dark columbine grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Dark columbine is native to the Alps and Apennine Mountains. In cooler regions, grow Dark columbine as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Dark columbine is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Aquilegia genus — compare its care with other Aquilegia species on PlantoScan.
Aquilegia is part of the Ranunculaceae plant family — browse all Ranunculaceae genera and species.
Dark columbine thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Aquilegia atrata W.D.J.Koch, family Ranunculaceae (first published in Flora 13(1): 118 (1830)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Dark columbine, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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