Hardy or sensitive to frost?

The South Sea myrtle has no chance outdoors in cool night frosts

The South Sea myrtle can withstand temperatures of around minus 5 degrees Celsius for a short time, but when the outside temperature is even cooler it becomes definitely dangerous for the dainty shrub. In Central Europe, this exotic is typically only cultivated outdoors as a container plant in the summer. If it becomes very cold in autumn, the South Sea myrtle should be moved to a protected winter quarter in good time. If a South Sea myrtle is to be repotted, the time before the new shoot in February and March is ideal. Note that the South Sea myrtle has similar winter preferences as some Mediterranean plants and should not be overwintered too warm.

Find a winter quarters with optimal conditions for the South Sea myrtle

The South Sea myrtle is an evergreen plant, so winter quarters that are as bright as possible are required in any case. Since growth is only running on the back burner at this time of year, fertilizer and watering can be reduced accordingly. Overall, the following conditions should prevail in optimal winter quarters for the room myrtle:

• bright, but not too much direct sun (in winter)
• sufficiently moist without waterlogging at the roots
• Temperatures between 0 and 10 degrees Celsius

The heated winter garden is usually too warm as winter quarters for a South Sea myrtle, whereas cold houses or frost-free garages with sufficient daylight are ideal.

Not only the winter cold can be a problem

Plants that died over the winter are often classified as "frozen to death", although completely different factors were decisive for the death of the plant. Similar to bamboo or the popular Heather it is not so rare that a South Sea myrtle does not freeze to death, but rather dries up. Therefore, always pay close attention to the correct moisture content in the South Sea myrtle pot. As a reward, you can look forward to the magnificent blooming of the South Sea myrtle from February or March, which can last into June.