The home of the gentian bush is in mild South America. Too far to send him there on winter vacation. But the Solanum rantonnetii should not stay at home in the garden either. Your own four walls are the only option.

The gentian bush needs it warm

No chance in the garden bed

The gentian bush will never survive sub-zero temperatures in the garden bed. Because all the protective measures known to us are not able to give it its comfortable temperature. Solanum rantonnetii is not and will not remain hardy. A temperature value that is comfortable for him not only has to be in the plus range, it should also be higher than 7 °C.

If your gentian bush is in the garden soil, which is definitely a cultivation option, it must leave it in autumn. Don't wait until the frost line is approaching. Offer to move it to a large container as soon as temperatures threaten to drop below 7°C.

Bucket specimens also have to go in

It doesn't matter whether a specimen lives in the bucket permanently or stays in it as a guest from the garden. It must overwinter in a winter quarters. Keep that in mind when buying this plant, which can quickly grow to a height of several meters. It would be a pity if their lives were sacrificed to the cold due to lack of space.

Suitable winter quarters

The winter quarters provided must meet one condition: it must remain completely frost-free throughout the winter period. Ideally, it is light and warmer than 7 °C. If necessary, even hibernation in living quarters is possible.

If you only have a dark room available, the hibernation does not have to fail. Solanum rantonnetii will survive there too. In doing so, however, it will lose its foliage and will have to grow a new one in the spring. Not too bad don't you think? Well, if you can put up with a delayed start of flowering, then yes.

expiry of the hibernation

It all starts with closely monitoring the temperature readings from the beginning of autumn. Because in this country nobody can date exactly when the temperature will drop below 7 °C.

Before housing, the shrub should be thoroughly inspected for pests. If it shares the quarters with other plants, uncontrolled spread can otherwise quickly occur. If the new location only offers little space, a pruning can now take place, which would otherwise only take place after moving out.

Now for care during the winter. It remains manageable:

  • occasional modest watering
  • Check regularly for pest infestation
  • don't fertilize!
  • occasionally put it outside to soak up the sun (only if the temperature is right!)

end hibernation

Hibernation is over when the outside temperature permanently meets the requirements of the shrub. Never plant Solanum ratonnettii before mid-May, as late frosts can still occur. Potted specimens should start the new season with fresh substrate. Pot them up!

Notice:
The gentian bush is poisonous in all parts! Be careful with direct contact with the plant. Also, keep children and pets away from her.

Category:

Herbs