Is gorse hardy? 13 tips for hibernating Cytisus properly

Numerous plants are summarized under the name gorse, which is why the frost and winter hardiness can differ significantly between the plants. The Cytisus genus consists of plants that are frost hardy to a certain extent, but usually require appropriate protection. Otherwise frost damage can occur or the plants will even die completely. It works with our tips.

Cytisus

Strictly speaking, Cytisus is not real broom, but belongs to the genus Geissklee. Nevertheless, some representatives of this genus are referred to as broom species. This includes:

• broom
• ivory gorse
• many-flowered gorse

They are generally considered hardy to temperatures of 12.2 °C. In regions with mild winters, they can therefore remain outdoors. With insufficient protection, however, it is still possible for significant frost damage to occur. The plants can then freeze down to the trunk or even die off completely. In the case of an unknown variety and unknown origin, comprehensive protection should be provided or wintering indoors should be preferred.

outdoor

If Cytisus are planted outdoors, they should be given an appropriately protected location. A bright spot, but sheltered from the cold wind, is ideal. This can promote safe hibernation. In cold regions or winters, however, just choosing a sheltered location is not enough. Further measures are then necessary to protect the plant and to overwinter it safely. These measures include, among others:

• Stop fertilizing in September
• Avoid waterlogging
• give small amounts of water on frost-free days if the substrate is too dry
• cover the substrate around the shrub well with mulch, straw, brushwood or garden fleece

These measures can reduce potential frost damage and preserve the shrub. As a rule, however, culture in a bucket is better, as this makes overwintering easier and safer.

Hibernation in bucket culture

The hibernation of the gorse in bucket culture is comparatively easy if a few points are observed. Above all, light and temperature are decisive factors. Our step-by-step instructions show you how:

Stop fertilizing the plant after September

Because the plant can no longer properly utilize the nutrients from this time, which can damage the roots.

Decrease the amount of water

Waterlogging can also cause problems during the winter. Therefore, during the preparation from September, the amount of water should be reduced and the substrate should be kept drier - but not dry out completely.

Spend time in the house

The broom plants should be brought indoors before the first night frost occurs. It is ideal if the plants are brought to their winter quarters for overwintering when the indoor and outdoor temperatures are approximately the same. In an indoor location with 10 °C, the container plant should therefore be placed in the apartment when the outside temperatures drop to this level. As a result, there are no strong fluctuations.

The warmer, the brighter

A cool but frost-free location with temperatures between 5 and 10 °C is ideal for overwintering the broom plants. However, it is not only the temperature that matters, but the relationship between temperature and brightness. The warmer the plant is, the more light it needs. In very bright winter quarters, such as a glazed winter garden or near a window, the temperatures can definitely be higher.

Appropriate care

Caring for the gorse during the winter is very simple. It tolerates waterlogging just as little as drought. Therefore, it is only watered sparingly so that the substrate does not dry out completely, but is also not completely moistened or watered through. In addition, damaged plant parts should be removed immediately. Otherwise, they could be entry points for diseases and parasites that can very quickly cause significant damage during the winter.

Sheltered outdoors

In regions with mild winters or in winters without serious sub-zero temperatures, Cytisus plants can also be left outdoors in tub culture, provided they are hardy. In this case, however, they also need appropriate protection and adapted care. The following points should be noted:

Put in a protected place

For example, wind-protected locations near house walls or corners on terraces and balconies are ideal. It is important that the plant still receives enough light but is not in the blazing winter sun.

insulation from below

To prevent the root ball from freezing through, the bucket should be insulated from below. For example, it makes sense to place the planter on a thick styrofoam plate or a pallet to create distance to the ground. The materials can also be combined with each other to ensure adequate protection in colder winters.

All-round protection

In addition to insulating the floor, the bucket should also be protected all around. This can be achieved, for example, by wrapping it with garden fleece or other insulating materials. It is beneficial to apply several layers. This intensifies the protective effect. The materials used should also cover the substrate and be attached to the trunk to fully protect the root ball.

Adjusted watering

Even in winter, the substrate must not dry out completely. For this reason, it should be checked on frost-free days and slightly moistened if necessary. However, care must be taken to avoid waterlogging. Otherwise, significant damage to the crop can occur.

After hibernation

In order to avoid damage caused by late frost, among other things, you should still pay attention to a few factors after the winter. These include the following measures:

Avoid late frost

Plants that have been overwintered indoors may be brought back outside if the Temperatures are also between 5 and 10 °C at night and no longer associated with late frosts count is. If the plants were outside, the protection should only be removed after the last frost.

Slow getting used to

If the plants were overwintered indoors, they should not be placed directly outdoors in potentially cold winds and the blazing sun. It is better to first choose a sheltered location so that the broom can slowly get used to the sun and other weather influences.

customize care

When the temperatures rise and the days get longer again, the amount of watering needs to be increased. However, it still applies that the top layer of soil should dry off before the next watering takes place. Fertilizer can be started again when the first new shoots appear on the plant.

Learn more about overwintering plants