The belt flower performs a masterpiece in the garden, which ensures it many admiring looks. Its foliage is a striking dark red, bright pink flowers enhance the intensive play of colors from March to April. In autumn, the foliage remains on the plant, but would freeze to death if left unprotected. How to overwinter Loropetalum.

The belt flower can withstand temperatures down to -10°C

Winter hardiness is not enough for icy times

The red shrub from the Far East is a shaky candidate when it comes to safe wintering in this country. The frost does not have to become a danger if it is in the single digits.

  • can survive down to -10 °C
  • some recommendations draw the limit at -5°C

Since the winters can be icy in our latitudes, cultivation in the bed does not offer a safe life. That is why the shrub often leads an existence as a mobile container plant.

Definitely protect outside

If you are lucky enough to live in a mild region of the country, the chances of lorepetalum getting through the winter outdoors are good. But everything possible must be done for this. When planting, the plant should be provided with a sheltered location so that it does not get icy winds.

If the first frosts are announced, the branches of the belt flower must be given a protective cover. Wrap the crown with special plant fleece. Also protect the root area with a thick layer of leaves or brushwood.

Overwinter potted shrubs

It would be far too daring to overwinter a tub specimen outdoors. Even the proven winter protection measures cannot compensate for its lack of winter hardiness. Because the pot offers the frost a good attack surface from all sides. Invite the shrub into guest quarters until spring.

  • it should be frost free
  • 8 to 12 °C are ideal
  • as bright as possible

tips

In its homeland of China and Japan, Loropetalum is often cultivated as a bonsai. This is also possible with us and also makes winter storage easier.

Care in winter quarters

In the winter quarters, the belt flower does not need fertilizer, but must be supplied with water. But this should be done as needed. It is possible that the plant does not get enough light at its location and as a result sheds some leaves. This also reduces their water requirements.

The room temperature also influences the water consumption of the plant. The colder it is, the less it needs to be watered so that the soil stays slightly moist.

Category:

Garden design