- Their minimum temperature: -15 °C
- When should you protect the candytuft?
- Cut down in the fall
- Cover with rice
- Correction cut in the spring
Small leaves, a dense habit that is content with a short height and typically numerous white flowers make up the characteristic face of candytufts. How hardy are these plants?
The candytuft is sufficiently hardy for our winters
Their minimum temperature: -15 °C
The candytuft is originally native to southern Europe. Nevertheless, it tolerates frost and the winter temperatures of Central Europe. Both the umbel candytuft and the evergreen candytuft (and other lesser-known species) are considered to be hardy and can withstand frosts down to -15 °C. They are therefore to be regarded as perennial.
When should you protect the candytuft?
But under certain conditions, winter protection is not a mistake, but definitely recommended:
- was sown in the fall
- stands in an unprotected, harsh position
- Temperatures drop below -15°C
- freshly made cuttings in the field
- Candytufts in the pot
Cut down in the fall
After flowering, the candytuft is cut back in autumn. It is best to shorten the shoots to 2/3 of the total height or 10 cm above the ground! You can also remove wilted leaves. Pruning is highly recommended in preparation for winter.
Cover with rice
After pruning, you can cover your candytuft. Softwood brushwood, for example from fir and spruce, is best suited for this. The reason: many candytufts are evergreen. The foliage needs brightness even in winter. Leaves and compost are therefore not suitable as a cover. On the other hand, light penetrates through brushwood to the plant and its leaves.
If your candytuft is in a pot on the balcony, for example, you should place the pot against the wall of the house during the winter. Before that, the pot is wrapped with fleece or another insulating material. Don't forget to water sparingly!
Correction cut in the spring
The winter protection can be removed towards the end of February/beginning of March. A corrective cut can now be made. Dried and possibly frozen shoots are cut off. You can then fertilize your candytuft with compost or liquid fertilizer.
tips
It is advisable not to challenge the temperature minimum. It is therefore good if you protect your candytufts from temperatures around -10 °C.