When is winter protection necessary?

Gentian grows naturally under bushes

In the Alps it often gets really cold, but the Gentian perennials in nature are protected from wind and weather by higher-standing plants.

Even though gentian is robust and hardy, you should provide winter protection, especially in rough locations.

It not only protects against frost, but primarily against the drying out of the soil, which is very harmful for gentians.

How to protect the hardy perennial

Cut Return the perennials after flowering in autumn.

In the garden, put some brushwood over the perennials or cover the ground with leaves. If you have planted Kochschen gentian, you can also use fir branches. The falling needles acidify the soil.

Hibernate gentian in a pot

Gentian in pots is less winter hardy than gentian outdoors because the soil cools down and dries out faster. So overwinter gentian in the bucket:

• Place the planter in a protected corner
• Place insulation material under the pot
• Cover the bucket with fleece or foil
• Water regularly
• Check for pests occasionally

Watering especially in winter

Ornamental perennials usually need very little water in winter. With the gentian it is the other way round. It gets by with little moisture in summer, but often needs additional watering in winter.

If your gentian does not sprout again after winter, it is not because the perennial did not survive the frost. Usually, too little soil moisture, which occurs in very dry winters, is to blame.

to water You should therefore keep the gentian in the garden or in a pot on frost-free days. However, it is essential to avoid waterlogging.

Tips & Tricks

plants They cultivate varieties like the Clusius gentian best in the rock garden. There the perennials are perfectly protected from drying out by stones and other plants. An alternative is planting under half-height shrubs, which is ideal for Koch's gentians.