Content
- The South Sea myrtle - hardy or not?
- In cool night frosts, the South Sea myrtle has no chance outdoors
- Find a winter home with optimal conditions for the South Sea myrtle
- Not only the winter cold can be a problem
- Tips
The South Sea myrtle tolerates little frost
The South Sea myrtle - hardy or not?
The so-called South Sea myrtle (Leptospermum scoparium) is native to Australia and New Zealand. There, in mild climates native, pretty flowering shrub in the field can reach heights of up to 4 m.
In cool night frosts, the South Sea myrtle has no chance outdoors
For a short time, the South Sea myrtle keeps temperatures down to about minus 5 degrees Celsius, but even cooler outside temperatures make it definitely dangerous for the delicate shrub. In Central Europe, this exotic is typically cultivated only as a container plant during the summer in the field. If it gets cold in the fall, the South Sea myrtle should be brought to a sheltered winter quarters in time. If a South Sea myrtle to be repotted, the time before the new release in February and March is ideal. Note that the South Sea myrtle has similar preferences during wintering as some Mediterranean plants and should not be overwintered too warm.
Find a winter home with optimal conditions for the South Sea myrtle
In the South Sea myrtle is an evergreen plant, therefore, as bright as possible winter quarters is needed in each case. However, since growth at this time of year is only on a parochial flame, fertilizer and water can be reduced accordingly. Overall, the following conditions should prevail in an optimal winter quarters for the room myrtle:
The heated conservatory is usually too warm for winter quarters for a South Sea myrtle, but cold houses or frost-free garages with sufficient daylight are ideal.
Not only the winter cold can be a problem
Frequently, plants entered during the winter are classified as "frozen", although sometimes completely different factors were decisive for the death of the plant. Similar to the bamboo or the popular heather, it is not so rare that a South Sea myrtle does not freeze, but rather dried up. Therefore, always pay close attention to the correct moisture content in the pot of South Sea myrtle. As a reward, from February or March, you can enjoy the magnificent flowering of the South Sea myrtle, which can last into June.
Tips
A mixture of rhododendron earth and quartz sand is the ideal substrate for setting the right water balance in the pot of South Sea myrtle as uncomplicated as possible. This plant should also be watered with as little as possible water (rainwater, for example).