The origin of the plant
If you want to find out more about a plant, you have to go back to its origins. The native home of the gentian bush will give us important clues about its winter hardiness. Because it is designed by nature for the conditions in this area.
also read
- Solanum rantonnetii - demanding care for gentian bush
- Solanum rantonnetii - Safe wintering of the gentian bush
- The gentian bush is not hardy
Solanum rantonnetii lives in warm regions of South America that do not know any freezing temperatures. This suggests that the shrub cannot develop winter hardiness. Indeed it is! Of the Gentian bush is not winter hardy, even needs temperatures above 7 ° C.
Wintering quarters are mandatory in this country
The cold tolerance is so low that wintering outdoors is out of the question. Only the brave dare to do this with plenty of protective measures and only in mild regions of the country. That is why planted specimens must be dug up in good time and turned into potted plants.
The gentian bush needs suitable winter quarters in which it can be safely overwinter can.
- continuously frost-free
- Temperatures above 7 ° C are ideal
- it should be light
- in the dark the leaves fall
Tips
Don't worry if leaves fall off when there is a lack of light. The shrub will sprout again in spring, but this will delay the flowering. Don't forget to collect all the leaves promptly so that mold doesn't stand a chance.
Start of wintering
Every year the weather decides when to start wintering. This can sometimes be very “surprising” and “suddenly”. Stay flexible. Examine the gentian bush for lice and other pests and shorten it if there is a lack of space in the roost.
Care in winter
In winter quarters the care not to be forgotten. It only consists of occasional watering, because fertilization is not allowed during this rest period. Also check the plant for pests. Especially when the winter quarters are warm.
Leaving the winter quarters
If the weather is unexpectedly mild in spring, the gentian bush can soak up the sunlight for hours outside. However, he is only allowed to leave the winter quarters permanently if the calendar shows mid-May. Then it can be assumed that there will be no frost at night. Plant Solanum Rantonnetii in the garden or leave it in the pot. Then it should get fresh soil if you want to admire plenty of flowers.
