Whether in blue, violet, white, red or two-tone - the columbine brings zest to the perennial bed. With its exceptionally delicate flowers, it sets great accents next to perennials such as hostas and hydrangeas. But is it a perennial for life?
Is columbine perennial?
Columbine is a perennial but short-lived perennial with an average lifespan of 2 to 3 years. It often stays present in the garden longer through self-sowing and therefore multiplies happily.
Average lifespan: 2 to 3 years
For the multitude of columbine varieties on the market, life is short-lived. The average life expectancy is 2 to 3 years. The columbine then admits defeat and dies. Under good site conditions and with optimal care, the columbine can live up to 5 years. This means that the columbine is considered a perennial but short-lived perennial.
Self-sowing – the secret of columbine
The short lifespan of the columbine is often not even noticed. Why? Because the columbine multiplies through self-sowing. This means it will remain represented at its location for many years.
But many a gardener is almost desperate and sees the columbine less as a pretty perennial and more as a weed that grows everywhere, even in cracks in walls. If you feel this way, you should cut off the withered flowers before the seeds can form and ripen.
She survives the winter without any problems
Frosty temperatures do not cause any problems for a columbine:
- hardy in protected locations down to -25 °C
- hardy in unprotected locations down to -20 °C
- it dies in late summer
- survives with the help of its rhizome
- New growth between February and March
- Pruning in autumn or spring
Aspects that keep the columbine he althy and strong
So that the columbine can survive for many years, it should have optimal location conditions. It prefers to grow in a partially shaded location. The soil should be calcareous, rich in humus and permeable. In terms of care, it benefits from regular fertilization (organic fertilizer (€9.00 on Amazon)), appropriate watering and pruning before the seeds are ripe. Dividing this perennial is also recommended as you get older.
Tips & Tricks
The choice of location for the columbine should be carefully considered! If you have your perennial bed next to your vegetable bed, you shouldn't be surprised if columbines will soon sprout in your vegetable bed.
