Montbretia originally thrive on the mild slopes of the South African mountains. The attractive flowering plant is correspondingly sun-loving and warmth-loving. But how frost hardy are the tuber plants and how do they have to be overwintered?
Montbretia tolerate mild winters
Limited winter hardiness
As well as the Montbretie can cope with the greatest summer heat, it can be affected by deep frosts. The flowering plants are only hardy to a limited extent and should be well protected in the cold season, even in mild regions. If there is a threat of deep frost and if the ground freezes down to the deeper areas over a longer period of time, this damages the sensitive tubers.
In regions where winter temperatures only fall in the single-digit minus range, the Montbretia can still overwinter in the bed. In harsh areas, on the other hand, it is advisable to carefully dig up the stolons in autumn and store them in a cool place.
Provide adequate winter protection
In the mild regions, the Montbretie needs a warm blanket to get through the winter well. Cover the plants that will not be cut back in this case with a thick layer:
- leaves
- bark mulch
- compost
and secure this protection against the cold with brushwood against drifts. The natural materials slowly decompose and at the same time provide the heavily consuming plants with valuable nutrients.
Montbretia overwinter in the house
Even in the mild regions, the Montbretia do not always survive the winter in the flower bed unscathed. If you want to be on the safe side, it is therefore advisable to dig up the tubers in autumn and overwinter them indoors. Leave as much substrate as possible on the sensitive tubers so that they do not dry out.
Store the stolons in a dark, cool and frost-free place in the house. A darkened basement room or the garage is well suited, as it is usually a bit cooler in it than in the basement.
tips
An early application of fertilizer in March or April stimulates the growth of the plants. In order to protect the sensitive tubers, the fertilizer should never be worked in.