Hardy balcony or garden plant (winter heather)

Do not confuse the snow heather with the heather

It is no coincidence that the snow heather only too often with the so-called Heather is confused. This also grows as Heather designated plant rather on boggy-acidic soils of mild heathland, while the alpine snow heather feels particularly comfortable on calcareous soils. The heather usually shows great differences between different cultivars in terms of frost resistance and definitely needs winter protection in cool locations. In contrast, the snow heather (which can be clearly identified by its leaves) only rarely freezes to death when the temperature conditions are really exceptionally cold or Care mistake were made.

A winter ornament for the balcony box

Since most balcony flowers are only annual or at least not to be overwintered outdoors Window boxes(€ 7.99 at Amazon *) often completely removed in winter or at least overwintered “empty”. But that doesn't have to be the case, as the snow heather is also good for you

Planting in the balcony box suitable. A problem can be that the optimal time for the Planting the snow heather actually it is spring. However, this can be solved with a second set of window boxes. The planters with the perennial snow heather are then in summer simply put in a sunny place in the garden and adequately watered. Finally, in autumn, the “appearance” takes place on the balcony, which, depending on the weather, can last up to April or May.

Precautions when caring for the snow heather

The following factors affect the snow heather during the winter months:

• sunlight
• wind
• Temperature / frost

In a balcony box, the plants of the snow heather are exposed to these environmental factors much more exposed than in the open ground. Therefore, the otherwise frost-hard snow heather in the balcony box should also get a certain winter protection if very pronounced frosts are to be expected. Since wind and sun can dangerously dry out the plant substrate, the areas between the plants should Covered with some leaves or brushwood and ensured sufficient watering on frost-free days will.