Kolkwitzie, also known as mother-of-pearl bush in this country, is not a purely cultivated plant. In its native country of China, the shrub can be found in the wild, where no one bothers to look after it. Does he also remain modest in the garden, or does it require special attention here?

The mother-of-pearl shrub is very easy to care for

Outdoor specimen or pot dweller?

The type of cultivation of the Kolkwitzie is decisive for answering the care question. The mother-of-pearl shrub can thrive in the garden, but just as well stand in a bucket. In general, it can be said that potted plants need more attention. There is only a very limited amount of soil available for their roots. Their claims can therefore only be satisfied if their owner regularly gives "encores".

No supply is necessary outdoors

In the garden, the rain takes over the water supply for everyone
Kolkwitzia varieties. It doesn't matter if the Niedersachlag doesn't fall regularly. The shrub tolerates longer periods of drought well.

The Kolkwitze also gets the required nutrients from the soil. With its modest consumption, it is rarely lacking in this regard.

supply in exceptional cases

If the soil where the Kolkwitzia is located is very poor in nutrients, it should be fertilized a little. It is sufficient if an organic long-term fertilizer such as compost or horn shavings (32.93€) is distributed in spring during the flowering period.

If you plant a Kolkwitzie freshly or transplant it to a new location, it will take time for it to fully conquer the ground with its roots. You should therefore provide them with water as needed for about a year.

tips

Make sure you only fertilize a little, because the Kolkwitze loves poor soil. An oversupply turns into the opposite of what is intended: The

Kolkwitzie does not bloom!

Kolkwitzie in the bucket

Supply potted Kolkwitzias regularly, with most of the work being done during the growing season. No great caution is required when caring for it, because the Kolkwitzie is not poisonous

  • fertilize from spring to late summer
  • every four weeks with a liquid fertilizer
  • pour as needed
  • the top layer of soil may dry out in the meantime

Despite winter hardiness, scours in pots must be protected from frost by wrapping the pot with fleece and placing it in a protected position.

Cut Kolkwitzia

Kolkwitzen should not be pruned until they are five years old, so that they develop their beautiful, overhanging shape. After that, occasional pruning makes sense, whereby dead and disturbing branches are removed. It may only be necessary to cut more if Kolkwitzias are planted as a hedge.

tips

Cut off, healthy shoots can be placed in pots with potting soil in order to propagate Kolkwitzia.

Category:

Garden design