The steppes of the Near East certainly have a different climate to offer than we have here. That is where the blue rod comes from, which is why it is also known as Russian lavender. The numerous flowers prove that it likes our summer days. But is it also hardy?
The blue rue usually tolerates Central European winters quite well
Blue rhombus cold tolerance
The varieties of blue rue available from us are all considered hardy. Their winter hardiness is even given as Z6. This means that this crop can survive temperatures in the range of -17.8 to -23.4 °C. This means that the blue diamond is well-armed for the icy winter cold.
Frostbite possible
Although blue rue is hardy, prolonged frosts combined with freezing winds can affect its health. Because then their above-ground plant parts die off almost completely. Usually only the woody parts of the shoots remain unharmed.
Your owner need not despair because of this. Because the remaining root base is enough for survival. In the spring, the blue rue will sprout again in bushy form.
protect young plants
Older specimens have gotten bigger and stronger over the years. They will either survive most winters unscathed, or frostbite will be manageable.
This high winter hardiness is also in the genes of freshly planted blue rue. But they still have to conquer it. Until then, they need the support of their owner. If he fails to take care of her in a timely manner in this regard, she may die altogether in a particularly cold winter.
- Winter protection measures are necessary
- at least in the first 2-3 years
- pile up dry leaves around the rootstock in autumn
- alternatively carefully cover with brushwood
Overwinter with foliage
Blue rue should not be pruned in autumn, as is usual with so many plants. Because their own foliage can keep them warm in winter. The lack of an autumn pruning does not result in any disadvantages for their growth. This also does not affect the flowering of the following year.
It is sufficient if you only cut the shoots in the spring. When the worst frosts are over and the plant is about to sprout.
tips
In spring you can use the clippings to propagate Russian lavender. Because you can never have enough of this bee pasture.