Whether it's predominantly cold or wet - winter can be difficult for many plants. But what about the columbine? Is it hardy enough or does it need frost protection?

Most varieties of columbine are extremely hardy outdoors

An enviable winter hardiness

Most of the columbine species and varieties are hardy. Temperatures of -20 °C do not cause any problems worth mentioning in winter. In sheltered places, they even survive temperatures of -25 °C. Some species, originally from higher altitudes and more northerly regions, are hardy down to -40 °C!

Due to this considerable winter hardiness, it is not necessary to provide the columbines in beds or outdoors with winter protection. Only if it was planted in late autumn (not enough time for rooting) it may be advisable to cover it with a protective layer of leaves and twigs, for example.

Protect columbines in the pot

A columbine that is in a pot on the balcony, for example, should be protected over the winter, otherwise its root ball will freeze through:

  • Cover with fleece, jute bag (10.99€) or bubble wrap
  • Place pot on styrofoam block or block of wood
  • placed near the wall of the house
  • do not fertilize
  • Check the substrate regularly for moderate moisture content

Cut back columbines 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 be done in autumn. It can be carried out after the flowering period in July. If you cut down the perennial immediately after flowering, you don't risk self-seeding.

Sometimes the columbine doesn't appear again…

Columbine has a short lifespan. On average she is 4 years old. Then she goes in. So if your columbine doesn't sprout again in spring after the winter, it doesn't have to be caused by frost damage. It is possible that the columbine was already too old and has died.

tips and tricks

If the columbine is in a location that tends to get wet or have a lot of snow in winter, the plant should be provided with leaves, straw or brushwood over the root area. This reduces the risk of waterlogging and freezing water.

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Herbs