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As a seasoned home gardener, you probably know that most perennials are well hardy. Nevertheless, there are a few aspects to consider so that the plants get through the winter ideally (and beautifully). This post describes the details.
In winter, perennials retreat deep into the garden soil
Hibernation aid - yes or no?
With the onset of winter, the majority of perennials fall into hibernation. Many species and varieties are completely hardy, so they do not necessarily need a hibernation aid.
Note: Only perennials that are sensitive to frost should be moved to a milder winter quarters to protect them from frost damage.
All other perennials can be left in the garden without hesitation. Perennials freshly planted in autumn should definitely be covered in the root area, for example with
- Leaves,
- brushwood or
- Straw.
But is it better to cover all perennials?
Despite the reliable winter hardiness of almost all perennials, there is a good reason to cover every plant in winter: Most winter damage does not result from freezing, but from thirst. Some hobby gardeners tend to underestimate the power of the winter sun. In fact, it can cause great damage to the perennials:
- Winter sun dries out plants
- Winter sun causes plants to "burn" on frozen ground
- Winter sun creates high temperature differences between day and night
Perennials cannot cope with all these influences. It is therefore advisable to give the plants a shady cover. This can give them beneficial relief.
Other winter protection measures
Here are two recommendations on how to get your perennials fit for the winter:
- Stop the (nitrogen-heavy) fertilization in good time - in July at the latest.
- Leave the withered leaves on the plants until early spring.
Extra: Do not cut perennials before winter
Unless they are early bloomers, you should only prune your perennials in spring, for the following reason:
- antifreeze
- no bare beds in the cool season
- attractive fruit and seed stands
- Birds and beneficial insects benefit
Especially when the fruit and seed heads of the perennials are covered with hoarfrost or snow in winter, they conjure up a fantastically beautiful sight in your garden.
Remove the cover again in good time
Remove the winter protection before the perennials sprout again - i.e. in February or March at the latest. When the weather gets warmer, the cover promotes fungal infestation and pests.