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Columbine (Aquilegia) is a very graceful ornamental plant with unique, colorful spur flowers. In order for these to develop, Columbine needs the right location in the garden. We'll tell you where it is.
In a nutshell
- classic perennial for natural or cottage gardens
- Location can vary depending on species or variety and influence growth behavior
- some prefer sun, but most like partial shade
- The nature of the subsoil is also important when choosing a location
- here the tolerance of lime in the soil varies
Location requirements may vary
This attractive plant is now on the Critically Endangered Species List. It is all the more important to offer it a suitable place in the home garden where it can develop and spread.
- with the variety of species, take into account the specific site requirements
- Amount of sunlight has a significant impact on plant height
- Sun-loving varieties easily reach heights of up to 90 cm
- Specimens on darker spots about 30 cm
- smaller species such as mountain columbine (A. bertolonii) or dwarf columbine (A. flabellata var. pumila) are very well suited to being kept in containers
- also very good for naturally laid out rock gardens
Dwarf Columbine (Aquilegia flabellata var. pumila)Source: I, KENPEI, Aquilegia flabellata var pumila1, Edited from Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
Unfortunately, the columbine is not very long-lived and usually dies after four to five years. However, since it sows itself, it will survive for many years despite everything, provided that the location and the associated soil conditions meet the needs of the plants.
Partial shade preferred
In the wild, the so-called Elfenschuh is at home in sparse mixed beech and oak forests, on the edges of hedges and meadows, and on dry and semi-dry grassland. There they are often found alongside liverworts (Hepatica nobilis) and stinking hellebore (Helleborus foetidus).
- prefers semi-shaded or semi-shaded locations in the garden
- or wandering shadows
- Depending on the variety, it can also be in a sunnier place
- some hybrids among them prefer sunny locations
- as do many American species
- Place should not get too hot
- ground level foliage keeps root area more shaded
- regulates the moisture in the soil
The columbine is one of the weakest plants and cannot hold its own against root competition from other plants. As a result, one should avoid areas under larger trees, as well as proximity to proliferating plants.
Tip: If you choose the wrong companion plants, the columbine can lose its attractiveness very quickly. This should not happen with plants such as the evergreen lenten rose (Helleborus orientalis), master umbels (Astrantia) or cranesbill (Geranium).
soil condition
Choosing the right location is part of choosing the right soil. Here, too, the requirements can vary from species to species. For example, the alpine columbine (A. alpina) tolerates calcareous soils, while other species do not tolerate such soils well.
Alpine columbine (Aquilegia alpina)
This is how the subsoil at the perfect location for columbines should be:
- in the best case loose and permeable
- moderately dry to fresh
- also humic, rich in nutrients and bases
- stony or sandy-loamy subsoil is ideal
- alkaline pH value between 8.5 and 10 recommended
The columbine is a so-called mull soil plant, which means that the sunnier the place, the fresher the soil should be. Specimens in pots or tubs can be planted in nutrient-rich potting soil.
Tip: When buying columbines, it is best to inquire about their special needs in terms of location and soil.
frequently asked Questions
Is the authenticity of the variety endangered at a certain location?If several different varieties or types of columbines grow in the garden, it is quite possible that unwanted crossings will occur. As a result, the characteristics of the next generation do not correspond to those of the parents. However, if varietal purity is important, you should either remove all seedlings or prune the plants before they form seeds.
Is the columbine a poisonous plant?Columbine is one of the weakly poisonous plants. Toxins such as a cyanide-forming glycoside are contained in all parts of the plant, with the highest concentration in the seeds. Eating as little as 20 grams of fresh leaves can lead to cramps, shortness of breath and heart problems. As a rule, however, these symptoms subside quickly. In addition, skin irritation and blistering may occur. Children and pets should be kept away as much as possible.
When does it make sense to change location?Reasons for a change can be strong root competition at the old location, a place that is too shady, a soil that tends to waterlogging or too many different varieties in one and the same location.