The Columbine – for some gardeners it is a magical bedding perennial, for other gardeners it is like a weed. Why should you cut them back and how does it work?
Why and how should you prune columbines?
Pruning the columbine is used to prevent self-seeding, extend the flowering period, prepare for winter and remove diseased parts. Use clean cutting tools and gloves and cut back before budding or in autumn.
Reason 1: To prevent self-seeding
Once a columbine has established itself in its location, it can no longer be stopped. After its flowering period is over, it produces numerous tiny seeds. When ripe, these are blown away with the wind and like to sow themselves.
If you do not prevent self-sowing by cutting off the unripe seed heads or cutting off the withered flowers, you must expect that the columbine will spread in no time. Different varieties cross each other and single-variety specimens belong to yesterday.
Reason 2: To extend the flowering period
Some gardeners can't get enough of the delicate flowers of the columbine. It's too bad that the flowering period is already over in July. But with a bit of luck, the columbine will bloom again in autumn. To do this, the spent flowers should be radically cut off.
Reason 3: To prepare for winter
While a columbine grown in full sun grows up to 90 cm high, a columbine in the shade only grows up to 30 cm high. Either way - the withered perennial should be cut back to just above the ground after its flowering period or in autumn. If you forget this, you can do the pruning in the spring.
Reason 4: To remove diseased and damaged parts
Columbines are rarely affected by diseases. But in dry seasons they become weakened and more susceptible to mildew. If you discover infected parts of the plant, cut them immediately. Do not dispose of these in the compost, but in the household waste!
What to pay attention to when cutting
When cutting a columbine, always keep the following points in mind:
- only use clean cutting tools
- wear gloves to protect against the toxins
- cut back before budding (beginning of March at the latest)
- cut thick shoots diagonally so that rainwater can run off
Tips & Tricks
Do not cut off columbines in the wild! They are protected!
