The Alyssum - a groundcover with compact growth, low maintenance requirements and the ability to survive dry periods well. But when winter approaches, the Alyssum looks like…

Stonewort usually does not survive temperatures below 0°C

Badly hardy in this country

This plant, which originates from warmer climes, is unfortunately not hardy in our latitudes. Alyssum, as the alyssum is also called, is perennial in its homeland, but is only cultivated as an annual in this country. Even low temperatures below 0 °C mean its certain end. The fine roots that are close to the surface freeze.

Can you overwinter the stonecrop indoors?

If you don't have a garden, you might want to plant your alyssum in a pot on the balcony or in the window box. There, too, the alyssum does not survive the winter. But it can be overwintered indoors. To do this, cut the plant down by 2/3 in autumn and place the pot in a frost-free, but cool and bright location in the apartment.

Cut down, uproot and compost in autumn

How to deal with the alyssum when autumn arrives:

  • cut down close to the ground between the end of September and October
  • alternatively pull out of the ground
  • Discard plant parts

Survival strategy: self-seeding

Have you planted the alyssum and it sprout year after year in the spring? So it seems to be hardy, doesn't it? If you're not mistaken… The Alyssum knows how to multiply cleverly and thus survive across generations.

From September/October its seeds ripen - provided you have not cut off the old flowers. The seeds fall off when ripe and overwinter in the ground. In the spring they are stimulated to germinate. Self-seeding is the magic word. Before you know it, a new alyssum appears without you noticing.

tips

Before you dispose of the stonecrop in the compost in autumn, it is advisable to shake the plant a little at the desired location for the coming season. This will cause the seeds to fall out. With luck they will germinate in the spring.

Category:

Vegetable garden