Hardy but sensitive to moisture!

Hibernate carnation properly

Carnations are absolutely hardy and usually do very well without any winter protection. On the contrary, because winter protection (e.g. by covering with leaves or similar) Ä.) only leads to the loss of the actually evergreen leaves. It only makes sense to protect the plant from the glaring winter sun when there is clear frost, because in such a case it threatens Carnation dying of thirst. Bald frost is frost near the ground, in which the plants are not protected by a blanket of snow. In such a case, water evaporates from the leaves, while the plant cannot draw fresh water from the frozen ground - it threatens to dry up.

What to do with root rot?

In damp or even wet winters, on the other hand, there is a risk of waterlogging with subsequent root rot. Although the carnation is extremely robust in terms of numerous conditions, it just doesn't tolerate moisture at all. For this reason, the plant belongs in the first place

in a dry location - Stone or heather gardens are ideal. You can recognize (threatening) root rot by the limp, drooping, yellowish discolored leaves. Often the plants can no longer be saved, but you can give it a try:

• Cut the perennial vigorously back.
• Dig up the plant and remove any rotten and damaged roots.
• Carefully remove the old earth - root rot is caused by a fungus.
• Plant the carnations that have been trimmed in this way in a new, drier location.

If the infestation is not too advanced, with a little luck the plant will sprout again.