Slender Columbine Plant Care
Aquilegia gracillima Rech.f.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's delicate, fern-like leaves set it apart from other species in its genus. Originating from the mountainous regions of western North America, Aquilegia gracillima is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique leaf structure and intricate flowers, making it a prized addition to any garden or collection.
Every 7–10 days
Partial shade to full sun
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Slender Columbine?
Water Slender 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.
Where Is the Slender Columbine Native To?
What Is the Slender Columbine?
Slender Columbine (Aquilegia gracillima) belongs to the Ranunculaceae family within the Aquilegia genus. Slender Columbine is native to the area near Ghazni in eastern Afghanistan.
Slender Columbine displays an upright, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Slender Columbine produces unique spurred flowers in various colors like blue, purple, pink, yellow.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Slender Columbine?
Aquilegia gracillima 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 Slender Columbine Need?
Slender Columbine thrives in partial shade to full sun.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Slender Columbine Prefer?
Aquilegia gracillima grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Slender Columbine prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Slender Columbine?
Moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Slender Columbine to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Slender Columbine?
Feed Slender 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 Slender 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 Slender Columbine?
Slender Columbine can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to amalia's columbine plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Slender Columbine Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Slender 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 Slender Columbine?
Slender 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 Slender Columbine Need?
Slender Columbine grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Slender Columbine is native to the area near Ghazni in eastern Afghanistan. In cooler regions, grow Slender Columbine as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Slender 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.
Slender Columbine thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Aquilegia Species
Other Aquilegia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Aquilegia gracillima Rech.f., family Ranunculaceae (first published in Fl. Iranica 171: 16 (1992)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Slender 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Slender Columbine Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species