Aquilegias grow throughout Europe and even at high altitudes in the Alps. This suggests that they should be able to cope well with cold temperatures. You can find out how much frost the pretty perennials can tolerate in the following sections.
How much frost can the columbine tolerate?
Columbine is a particularlyfrost-hardy perennial. It can withstand temperatures down to -20 degrees Celsius. Only young plants should be protected from frost with fleece, jute or other materials.
Can the columbine tolerate frost?
The columbine is extremelyfrost hardy It can usually tolerate temperatures down to -20 degrees Celsius without any problems. Please note, however, that young plants cannot yet withstand frost very well. If frost occurs again after sowing the columbine seeds, you should protect your freshly planted columbines. Even if you plant or transplant columbines in the fall, you should protect them from frost as they may not yet be rooted properly.
How can I protect my columbines from frost?
Cover young or newly transplanted columbines withLeaves or brushwoodPotted plants should generally always be protected from the cold on the balcony or terrace, as they can easily freeze. Protect your columbines in the pot withfleece, jute or bubble wrap, place them in a protected place near a house wall and ideally on some Styrofoam or a wooden block, which also protects against the cold. Older plants that have been able to recharge their batteries over the summer do not need to be provided with winter protection. However, you can support the plant's resilience if you cut it back after flowering, at the latest in autumn.
Tip
Some columbine seeds need frost to germinate
Some varieties of columbine are cold germinators. This means that the seeds need a cold stimulus before they start germinating. But frost is not necessary. Cold phases with temperatures around five degrees Celsius are ideal.
