Hardy or sensitive to frost?

Hybrids are not winter-proof

Many snapdragons available in stores are F1 hybrids, specially bred plants that have been inbreeding tailored to the needs of consumers. This can also apply to seeds. A look at the packaging reveals whether it is a genetically modified plant or a "real" snapdragon.

These hybrids usually only bloom very nicely in the first year and then have used up their strength. In the second year they only develop sparsely flowers and grow far less vigorously. In addition, in most cases they are sterile. If they do develop seeds anyway, the properties of the plants used are similar to those of the grandparents.

Since the hybrids are not assertive perennials, the hibernation is not worth the effort. Dig up these snapdragons in autumn and replace the plants with newly purchased perennials or self-grown snapdragons next spring.

Snapdragons overwinter

This is different with "real" snapdragons, which thrive as perennial shrubs and are not affected by temperatures in the lower minus range.

This is how it works the wintering Well:

• Do not cut back snapdragons in autumn, as the naturally grown leaves provide good protection against the cold.
• A layer Mulch(€ 239.00 at Amazon *) as well as spruce branches spread over the plant.
• In April, the winter protection is removed and the snapdragon is cut back to a height of one to two hands above the ground.
• Something to get you started in the new gardening year Compost soil and Horn shavings(€ 32.93 at Amazon *) work into the ground.

Dig up snapdragons

In very harsh regions, snapdragons sometimes do not survive the extremely low temperatures. Often one reads the advice to dig up the plants here and to overwinter the root ball with the above-ground plant parts cut back to about a hand's width in the cellar.

This works well, but weakens the flowering plant so much that it will produce significantly fewer flowers in the next year. Therefore, in very cold locations it often makes more sense not to overwinter the snapdragons, but rather to do it every spring to plant.

The snapdragon hibernates on the balcony

Here, too, it is only worth hibernating the real snapdragons.

• Move the planters as close as possible to the protective wall of the house.
• Place clay pots on styrofoam or wood to protect them from severe frosts on the ground. - Cover plants with a breathable, warming fleece or brushwood.