Gentian is native to the Alps. The gardener should therefore assume that the perennials are absolutely hardy. Basically that's true. But in rough locations it is advisable to cover the plants. Even more important is the water supply in winter.

The gentian is hardy, but should still receive winter protection in harsh locations

In nature, gentian grows under shrubs

In the Alps it is often very cold, but the gentian perennials in nature are protected from wind and weather by taller plants.

Although gentian is robust and hardy, you should provide winter protection, especially in harsh locations.

It not only protects against frost, but primarily against drying out of the soil, which is very harmful for gentians.

How to protect the hardy perennial

Cut back the perennials after flowering in the fall.

In the garden, place some brushwood over the perennials or cover the ground with leaves. If you have planted Koch's gentian, you can also use fir branches. The falling needles acidify the soil.

Overwinter gentians in pots

Gentian in a pot is less hardy than gentian in the field because the soil cools down and dries out faster. How to winter gentians in buckets:

  • Place the planter in a protected corner
  • Place insulating material under the pot
  • Cover the bucket with fleece or foil
  • Water regularly
  • Check occasionally for pests

Watering especially in winter

Normally, ornamental perennials need very little water in winter. With the gentian it is the other way around. It gets by with little moisture in summer, but often needs additional watering in winter.

If your gentian does not sprout again after the winter, it is not because the perennial did not survive the frost. This is usually due to insufficient soil moisture, which occurs in very dry winters.

Therefore, water the gentian in the garden or in the pot on frost-free days. But be sure to avoid waterlogging.

tips and tricks

It is best to plant varieties such as the Clusius gentian in the rock garden. There, the perennials are perfectly protected from drying out by stones and other plants. An alternative is planting under half-height shrubs, which is ideal for Koch's gentians.

Category:

Vegetable garden