The stone herb feels in good hands in rock gardens, on dry stone walls, on roofs and in cottage gardens. In addition to blue cushions, it is expressed in high contrast. But what about him in winter? Is it helplessly exposed to the forces of nature and does it freeze to death?

Silverweed is not hardy

Usually not hardy and only annual

True, the exterior it presents during its prime may vaguely resemble snow. But that should not hide the fact that the silverweed is one of the sensitive ones in the bed. It is not hardy.

One reason for the poor winter hardiness is the original distribution area of the silver herb. It is native to the Mediterranean region, where it inhabits coasts and sandy beaches. As a result, it is usually only cultivated for one year in this country.

Cover? futile?

If the silver herb is outside, for example in the rock garden or in the perennial bed, it could survive the winter if it is adequately protected and in a mild location. In regions like Rhineland-Palatinate, it's worth a try.

To do this, radically cut down the silverweed in autumn! Then check the plant to see if it still has diseased spots. These are removed. The cut back growth is then covered with brushwood such as spruce brushwood.

In pot culture, overwintering usually works

Have you kept silverweed in a bucket or trough on the balcony and don't want to part with it? Then you can try to winterize it. The plant should be cut back by 2/3 beforehand. It is then placed in a cool room at about 5 °C. During the winter you should not fertilize the perennial, but water it sparingly.

Simply sow again after the winter

Don't worry if the silverweed freezes in winter. If you sow it again in the spring, you will be able to admire its flowers again in the summer. Sowing outdoors works like this:

  • from April
  • Scatter seeds in the bed
  • Light germinators: do not cover or only lightly cover with soil
  • moisten with a fine shower
  • keep moist
  • later separate to 15 cm

tips

An insider tip is the yellow flowering silverwort and especially the 'Compactum' variety. It is considered to be hardy.

Category:

Herbs