- When does the gentian tree have to go into winter quarters?
- How to find the ideal place to spend the winter
- Prepare the gentian bush for the move
- When can the potato tree go outside again?
- tips and tricks
The gentian shrub is native to the warm regions of South America and is not hardy. Frost doesn't get him at all. Even if the gentian tree is only briefly exposed to sub-zero temperatures, the pretty shrub will freeze to death. So make sure you have suitable winter quarters in good time.
The gentian bush does not tolerate frost and must be brought indoors in winter
When does the gentian tree have to go into winter quarters?
Nurseries recommend keeping the tree outdoors until the onset of winter with freezing temperatures. Better not to rely on that.
Even in autumn it can get cold at night.
It is ideal if you bring the gentian shrub indoors as soon as the temperatures outside drop to seven degrees.
How to find the ideal place to spend the winter
Of course, there shouldn't be any short-term drops in temperature close to freezing point at the place of wintering either.
If you put the gentian tree in a shed or garden shed (€24.90), you should install a frost monitor or at least hang up a thermometer to keep an eye on the temperatures.
The place to hibernate does not necessarily have to be bright. You can also bring the gentian tree over the winter in a frost-free basement. However, the evergreen plant sheds all its leaves in the dark.
Prepare the gentian bush for the move
- Cut overhanging branches
- Check for pests
- Treat if necessary
- Water only moderately
- No more fertilizing
Before the gentian tree moves to its winter quarters, you can cut off a few overhanging branches. However, make the cuts sparingly, as they are at the expense of the flower.
Check the gentian bush for aphids, spider mites and whiteflies. Treat an infestation immediately. Otherwise, the pests multiply very quickly in the winter quarters and damage the plant.
When can the potato tree go outside again?
When the days get lighter and warmer again, slowly get the gentian tree used to the fresh air again.
On frost-free days you can place it in a sheltered spot on the patio.
Since ground frost often occurs at night in spring, you should bring the shrub back indoors in good time in the afternoon.
tips and tricks
Place the gentian bush in the bucket on a rollable base. Then you can always roll it to where the sun is shining. A mobile bucket is also much easier to bring to the winter quarters.