Whether it is mainly characterized by cold or wet conditions – winter can be difficult for many plants. But what about the columbine? Is it sufficiently hardy or does it need frost protection?
Is columbine hardy?
Most columbine species are hardy and can withstand temperatures from -20 °C to -40 °C, without frost protection in beds or outdoors. However, potted plants need protection to prevent the root ball from freezing.
An enviable hardiness
The majority of columbine species and varieties are well hardy. Temperatures of -20 °C do not cause them any significant problems in winter. In protected places they can even survive temperatures of -25 °C. Some species, which originally come from high altitudes and northern regions, are hardy down to -40 °C!
Due to this considerable winter hardiness, it is not necessary to provide the columbine in the bed or outdoors with winter protection. Only if it was planted in late autumn (not enough time to root) it may be advisable to cover it with a protective layer of leaves and brushwood, for example.
Protecting columbines in the pot
You should protect a columbine that is in a pot on the balcony over the winter, otherwise its root ball will freeze:
- cover with fleece, jute bag or bubble wrap
- Place pot on Styrofoam block or wooden block
- place near the wall of the house
- do not fertilize
- Check substrate regularly for moderate moisture content
Cut back columbine before the onset of winter
Before the onset of winter, it is advisable to cut the columbine down to just above the ground. The cut does not necessarily have to take place in autumn. It can be carried out as early as after the flowering period in July. If you cut down the perennial immediately after flowering, you don't risk it self-seeding.
Sometimes the columbine doesn't appear again
Columbine has a short lifespan. On average they live to be 4 years old. Then she goes in. So if your columbine doesn't sprout again in the spring after the winter, it doesn't have to be caused by frost damage. Perhaps the columbine was already too old and died.
Tips & Tricks
If the columbine is in a location that tends to get wet or have a lot of snow in winter, it is better to provide the plant with leaves, straw or brushwood over the root area. This reduces the risk of waterlogging and freezing moisture.
