The balloon flower, also called Chinese bellflower, is quite hardy. It withstands temperatures down to - 15 °C relatively unscathed, some experts even speak of - 20 °C. Only young plants and those in planters need protection from frost.
The balloon flower is very hardy
You should not cut off the withered parts of the plant in autumn, they are a natural winter protection for the balloon flower. It is therefore advisable to cut back the balloon flower in the spring before it sprout again. Incidentally, cold wind and heavy rain can damage this plant more than short-term frost. So make sure you have good wind and rain protection.
Young plants could use a little more protection from the cold. Cover them with a layer of leaves, bark mulch or brushwood. If the ground is frost-free, do not give up watering your plants completely, otherwise they will die of thirst.
Overwinter balloon flowers in planters
Since the balloon flowers are very attached to their location, they do not like frequent moving. Nevertheless, if they have been planted in containers, they must be prepared for overwintering and possibly brought to a winter quarters.
Carefully wrap the pot on all sides with bubble wrap, burlap, an old blanket, or other heat-insulating material to prevent frost from penetrating the root ball. If you have a greenhouse or an unheated conservatory, you can leave your balloon flower there over the winter. In this case, she does not need any further protection from the cold.
The most important winter tips for the balloon flower:
- Do not cut off withered plant parts in autumn
- protect young plants from frost
- Protect the root balls of balcony and potted plants from frost
- water when the ground is not frozen
- if possible overwinter in the conservatory or greenhouse
- protect from heavy rain and cold wind
tips
Plants can die of thirst even in winter! As long as the ground is free of frost, water your balloon flower, albeit a little less than in the summer months.