Content
- Gentian is hardy, but still needs frost protection
- Gentian grows in nature among shrubs
- How to protect the hardy perennial
- Hibernate gentian in the pot
- Just pouring in the winter
- Tips & Tricks
The gentian is hardy, but should still get a winter protection in harsh locations
Gentian is hardy, but still needs frost protection
Gentian is native to the Alps. The gardener should therefore assume that the perennials are absolutely hardy. Basically, that's true too. However, in rough locations, it is advisable to cover the plants. Even more important is the water supply in winter.
Gentian grows in nature among shrubs
In the Alps it is often very cold, but the gentian shrubs in nature are protected from wind and weather by higher standing plants.
Although gentian is hardy and hardy, winter protection should be a priority, especially on harsh sites.
It not only protects against frost, but primarily against dehydration of the soil, which is very harmful to gentian.
How to protect the hardy perennial
Cut the perennials back after flowering in the fall.
In the garden, put some twigs over the perennials or cover the ground with foliage. If you have planted Koch's Enzian, you may also use fir branches. The falling needles acidify the soil.
Hibernate gentian in the pot
Gentian in the pot is less hardy than gentian in the field, because the earth cools faster and dries out. So hibernate gentian in a bucket:
Just pouring in the winter
Normally ornamental shrubs use very little water in winter. The gentian is the other way round. It gets by in summer with low humidity, but in winter often has to be additionally poured.
If your gentian does not drive out after winter, it's not because the perennial has not weathered the frost. Mostly too little soil moisture, which occurs in very dry winters, to blame.
Therefore, pour the gentian in the garden or in the pot on frost-free days. But be sure to avoid waterlogging.
Tips & Tricks
Plant varieties like the Clusius gentian best in the rock garden. There, the perennials are perfectly protected from drying out by rocks and other plants. An alternative is the planting under half-high shrubs, which is ideal for Koch's gentians.