- The right location and the best soil
- Plant the bitterroot
- Water and fertilize the bitterroot
- Bitterroot in winter
The porcelain rose, as the bitterroot is also called, is very easy to care for and very decorative. If it is in a sunny spot and gets enough water, it will delight the viewer with colorful flowers.

The right location and the best soil
The porcelain rose loves a sunny location, but also thrives in semi-shade. If it gets too little sun, it grows poorly and refuses to flower. You should give your plant at least three hours of sunshine. Loosen up heavy soil with some gravel or sand, because bitterroot does not tolerate waterlogging.
Plant the bitterroot
Water bitterroot thoroughly before planting or repotting. This is how you remove old substrate and loosen the roots. In addition, the plants soak up water, which makes sense after a long period of transport or a period of moderate watering.
The planting hole should have a slightly larger diameter than the root ball. Add some humus or well-rotted compost, place the bitterroot in the planting hole, fill with fresh potting soil and water the plant well. When planting in pots or tubs, first lay a drainage layer of old potsherds, expanded clay (€19.73) or coarse gravel.
Water and fertilize the bitterroot
Bitterroot cannot tolerate it if its roots dry out. That is why you should water your plant regularly. The porcelain rose, on the other hand, does not need much fertilizer. Some compost or bark mulch in spring is enough for outdoor plants. On the other hand, if your porcelain rose is in a planter, give it some liquid fertilizer about once a month.
Bitterroot in winter
When it comes to winter care, you have to distinguish between hardy and frost-sensitive varieties. It is best to inquire about this when you buy your plants, unless the label says so. At temperatures down to around - 20 °C, hardy varieties of bitterroot need protection from moisture rather than from cold. Varieties that are sensitive to frost should hibernate indoors if possible.
The most important care tips for bitterroot:
- sunny to semi-shady
- permeable soil
- water regularly
- not always frost hardy!
tips
When you buy it, make sure that your bitterroot is frost hardy or not.