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Aquilegia atrata - Columbine

Aquilegia atrata
Dark columbine

19 reviews
4,4/5
12 reviews
3 reviews
4 reviews
0 reviews
0 reviews

Very lovely young plant of a beautiful deep colour, very delicate it thrives well in my garden.

Evelyne, 09/03/2023

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This plant carries a 12 months recovery warranty

More information

Aquilegia atrata, a nearly black flowering variety.
Flower size
3 cm
Height at maturity
80 cm
Spread at maturity
30 cm
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -29°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Recommended planting time February to April, September to November
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Flowering time May to June
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Description

The Dark Columbine is a very graceful perennial plant with very specific purple-almost-black flowers. Easy to grow, it is suitable for both borders and rock gardens.

Aquilegia atrata has a tufted foliage, with rounded and lobed leaves, light green in colour. From this tuft emerge upright stems on which we can find dark purple flowers with long yellow stamens. The flowers do not exceed 3 cm (1in) and consist of 5 petals and 5 sepals with hooked spurs. Each stem, 80 cm high, contains a multitude of flowers that bloom from May to June.

The dark columbine is a very hardy perennial. It thrives in partial shade or indirect sun, in a humus-rich soil that remains moist.

It will pair perfectly with perennial geraniums, ornamental garlic, or bleeding hearts.

Aquilegia atrata - Columbine in pictures

Aquilegia atrata - Columbine (Flowering) Flowering
Aquilegia atrata - Columbine (Foliage) Foliage
Aquilegia atrata - Columbine (Plant habit) Plant habit

Flowering

Flower colour purple
Flowering time May to June
Inflorescence Solitary
Flower size 3 cm

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour medium green

Plant habit

Height at maturity 80 cm
Spread at maturity 30 cm
Growth rate normal

Botanical data

Genus

Aquilegia

Species

atrata

Family

Ranunculaceae

Other common names

Dark columbine

Origin

China

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Planting and care

The dark columbine is very easy to grow, it is preferably planted in a humus-rich and well-draining soil in a sunny or semi-shaded position. Hardy but with a short lifespan, it tends to disappear after a few seasons, but will self-seed spontaneously if you do not cut the stems after flowering. Avoid growing multiple varieties close together, as columbines can easily hybridize and lose their characteristics.

Planting period

Recommended planting time February to April, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Shaded rockery, Woodland edge, Undergrowth
Type of use Border
Hardiness Hardy down to -29°C (USDA zone 5) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 7 per m2
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Any
Soil type Clayey (heavy), Silty-loamy (rich and light), Stony (poor and well-drained)
Soil moisture Moist soil, well drained

Care

Pruning instructions Veiller à couper les hampes florales défleuries afin que la plante ne s'épuise à produire des graines. Il est toutefois recommandé de laisser quelques hampes de graines afin de favoriser les semis spontanés et ainsi perpétuer la variété.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time June to August
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
4,4/5
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