Overwintering guide
How to overwinter columbine 'mckana giant'
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills columbine 'mckana giant' in winter
Cutting columbine 'mckana giant' hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.
More columbine 'mckana giant' care
Overwintering columbine 'mckana giant' — FAQ
Does columbine 'mckana giant' need to come indoors for winter?
Columbine 'McKana Giant' is hardy to roughly USDA zone 3 — winter lows around -40°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens. Columbine 'McKana Giant' is properly hardy and overwinters outside without fuss. Tidy away anything dead or diseased, apply a mulch over the crown to steady soil temperatures, and otherwise leave it alone — many hardy plants actually need a cold period to flower and grow well the following year. Save hard pruning for the right season rather than doing it in autumn.
When should I move columbine 'mckana giant' for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water columbine 'mckana giant' in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills columbine 'mckana giant' over winter?
Cutting columbine 'mckana giant' hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.