Even if the names prairie gentian or Japanese rose suggest otherwise - the eustoma is not a plant that is suitable for the garden. It is used to very sunny and warm climates and would freeze to death in the winter. In summer you are welcome to put the pots in the garden.
Eustoma tends not to be grown in the garden in our country
Eustoma is not hardy
The homeland of the eustoma is the USA. There the prairie gentian grows in very sunny and warm locations. It does not tolerate cold and is therefore not hardy. It is therefore not suitable as a plant for the garden.
Bring prairie gentians into the garden in summer
Eustoma estimates temperatures of around 22 degrees in summer, and it should never get cooler than 10 degrees in winter either. The prairie gentian is therefore cared for in the house all year round. Overwintering is not easy, so the plant is often only grown for one season and disposed of after flowering.
If it is warm enough outside, you are welcome to bring the Eustoma into the garden, on the terrace or on the balcony. However, it must be ensured that there are no more night frosts. You should therefore not put them in the garden before the end of May. In the fall, bring the plant back indoors in good time if you want to try to overwinter it.
The space in the garden should offer some requirements. The prairie gentian needs at least four hours of direct sun per day. So look for a good location:
- somewhat protected from the wind
- very sunny
- protected from rain
Bring home after summer break
If the eustoma is to be overwintered, inspect it for pests before moving indoors. In order for it to tolerate the direct sun behind glass, it must first be acclimated to the new location by the hour.
Make sure that the winter location is very bright but not too warm. Otherwise there is a risk of spider mite infestation.
Only a little is watered in winter, fertilizing is completely avoided.
tips
Since eustoma is very sensitive to waterlogging, use very loose and permeable soil as substrate for pots and tubs. A mixture of normal potting soil with sand and gravel is well suited.