Content
- The agave - hardy in Central Europe?
- When selecting the right agave species, pay attention to frost tolerance
- Properly protect large specimens in the pot
- Possible dangers of hibernation except the frost
- Young plants are more sensitive than older agaves
- Tips
There are quite hardy species of agave
The agave - hardy in Central Europe?
In a certain regularity, reports of imposing agave blossoms appear here in the media and in relevant garden forums. This begs the question of how the agave species, which are found mainly in the Mediterranean in Europe, can be cultivated outdoors in more northern regions all year round.
When selecting the right agave species, pay attention to frost tolerance
First of all, one should be aware that the different agaves originate from different regions of the American continent and colonize there also seemingly barren habitats with desert and mountain character. Even in desert areas with extreme heat during the day, frost can occur at night. Most species of agave can tolerate light frosts over short periods. That does not mean, however, that the seemingly exotic plant in this country is automatically winterized. The following types of agave can also withstand temperatures between -10 and -20 degrees Celsius under suitable site conditions:
Properly protect large specimens in the pot
Many gardeners have experienced this fact already in their own garden: First, you have received an offshoot of an agave from a neighbor or brought from vacation. This has developed so well with good care over the years that he had to be repotted in ever larger planters. After all, the agave in the garden is so large that it is not that easy to transport to the winter quarters. In more mild weather conditions, these stately agaves may be able to survive the winter in the open air, if they are placed on a pallet for protection against ground frosts and well packed with bubble wrap. Before that, you should stop watering the plant so that it does not putrefaction on the wrapped plant during the wintertime. Due to extreme temperature fluctuations, do not place the agave in a sunny spot in front of a wall, but rather in a more partially shaded spot with good wind protection.
Possible dangers of hibernation except the frost
If agaves have a large number of yellow leaves after winter, this does not necessarily have anything to do with frost. Agaves are often insufficiently winter-proof just when the root rots unnoticed by heavy waterlogging. On the other hand, it can help if the plants are planted with a suitable substrate and inserted slightly obliquely into the soil, so that the rainwater can drain off. In addition, any fertilization should be stopped already in late summer.
Young plants are more sensitive than older agaves
Freshly propagated offshoots of agaves are much more sensitive to overwintering than older specimens. Therefore Kindel should be separated from the respective mother plant as early as possible in the spring and overwintered in cold regions first in the house.
Tips
If you do not want to worry about whether your Agave is winter-proof in the garden, you can opt for the agave-like candle palm in the garden.