Columbine is a charming perennial, but it has a relatively short lifespan (3 to 5 years). To perpetuate a variety you love or simply to bulk up your garden, dividing is an effective solution. Beware though: with its taproot, columbine is a rather sensitive little plant! Follow this guide to carry out the operation without stress.

When to act?

Ideal time is early autumn. Soil is still warm, which allows roots to establish before frost. You can also do it in very early spring, as soon as first shoots appear.

Necessary equipment

  • A digging fork (gentler on roots than a spade)
  • A large sharp knife, disinfected with alcohol
  • Compost, well rotted
  • A watering can
To faithfully reproduce your best columbines, choose division.
Columbines are easy to sow, but offspring are not always identical to parent plant. In that case, division is the best solution.

Step-by-step procedure

1. Carefully lift the crown

Do not place your tool too close to centre! Columbine has a deep central root.

  • Dig a wide circle (about 20–25 cm from centre) all around the plant.
  • Use the digging fork to lever gently and lift the whole clump, keeping as much soil as possible around the roots.

2. Prepare and divide

Once plant is out of ground, shake it gently to remove excess soil. You will then see the crown is made up of several "rosettes" (leaf shoots).

  • Identify areas where plant naturally separates.
  • Technical step : using your knife, slice crown vertically. Each piece must contain :
    • A piece of the main root (the taproot) ;
    • Some rootlets (fine roots) ;
    • At least one healthy leaf rosette.

3. Replant immediately

Columbine roots hate exposure to air; they dry out in no time.

  • Dig a hole twice as large as the piece.
  • Mix soil with a little compost.
  • Place the piece so that the collar (base of leaves) is level with soil surface. Too deep and it will rot; too high and it will freeze.

Care after dividing

Even if it is raining, water thoroughly immediately after planting to firm soil around roots and remove air pockets.

Good to know : do not worry if leaves wilt a little during first days. Plant is concentrating its energy on roots. It should come back stronger the following spring!

Did you know? : columbine is a champion of self-seeding. If dividing seems too risky, simply let flowers set seed (small brown capsules) and shake seeds where you want new plants to appear next year. But note, offspring will not always be true to parent variety. You can also buy columbine seeds directly.