Common columbine

Plant family

Hahnenfußgewächse (Ranunculaceae)

Also known as

European Columbine, Granny's Nightcap, Granny's Bonnet

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Semi-shaded

Water requirement

Moist

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

Medium

Light germinator

Plant distance

25 cm

Row spacing

25 cm

Seeding depth

0Not specified

Instructions

Description

Columbines are a genus of plants within the Ranunculaceae family. There are between 70-120 species, distributed mainly in the temperate climate of the northern hemisphere. Some varieties are used as ornamentals and are popular with insects. Columbines are perennial herbaceous plants, with the typical sepals and corollas of their flowers, which can be found from white to blue and yellow to red. Trivial names include gypsy bell, jester's cap, dove's flower, fairy glove, or Venus's chariot. The columbine is poisonous, and the common columbine is a protected species.

Growing tips

Easy to care for. There are differences between the subspecies and varieties in terms of soil and moisture requirements. Cut back after flowering and fertilize afterwards, then the columbine will germinate again in autumn. Germination 4-6 weeks at 17-20°C in the shade and even humidity. Does not thrive so well next to birch or Norway maple. Good with silver candles, funkia, ferns, daffodils, monkshood, larkspur, cranesbill, lilac roses, silver lady's mantle and tearing hearts. Only flowers in the 2nd year. Some varieties are cold germinators, some are not. The cold germinators are only planted out in the fall or very early spring. Sowing depth: 0.5 cm.