The lavender heath, which is also known as the shadowy bell, can be found in many places in this country thanks to horticultural intervention. But what happens to her in winter? Will it survive frost or does it need protection from the cold?

Most types of heather lavender are very hardy

Hardy to -23 °C

This evergreen plant from the heather family is well prepared for the winter in our latitudes. It withstands temperatures down to -23 °C without any problems. For this reason, winter protection is generally not necessary.

The lavender heather does not like winter sun

Although the lavender heather is hardy, it does not tolerate winter sun well. When there is severe frost in winter and the sun is shining at the same time, the flower buds are on the collar. These form in autumn and survive the winter until spring on the shoots. Frost and sun can freeze them to death. Then it says: No bloom next spring.

For this reason, it is advisable to protect a lavender heath that has a location in the sun in winter. It should be covered with leaves or twigs so that the sunlight cannot fall on the flower buds. The cover should be removed again in February.

Care just before and during the winter period

Before the onset of winter, you can remove dead shoots that are too long, too dense and dead. The best time is either just after flowering or in the fall. The cut is not carried out too radically with pruning shears.

Winter time doesn't mean that you can put your feet up and not have to worry about the lavender heather all the time. Because this plant has evergreen foliage that evaporates water even in winter, watering during dry seasons is important. Water sparingly and only on frost-free days! Remember not to add fertilizer to the irrigation water!

Protect lavender heathers in the pot

Lavender heathers in the pot must be protected in winter:

  • cut carefully
  • Wrap the pot with fleece, jute or bubble wrap
  • Place the pot on a block of wood or styrofoam
  • protected place e.g. B. on the house wall

tips and tricks

The species Pieris forrésii is not very hardy in this country. Should generally be sheltered or quartered.

Category:

Herbs