The lavender heather, which is also known as the shadow bell, can be found in many places in this country thanks to gardening efforts. But what happens to her in winter? Does it survive frost or does it need protection from the cold?
Is the lavender heather hardy and how do you protect it in winter?
The lavender heather is hardy and can withstand temperatures down to -23 °C, but it cannot tolerate direct winter sun on the flower buds. A shelter made of leaves or brushwood can protect against frostbite and enable flowering in spring.
Hardy up to -23 °C
This evergreen plant from the heather family is well prepared for the winter in our latitudes. It can withstand temperatures down to -23 °C without any problems. For this reason, winter protection is generally not necessary.
The lavender heather doesn't like winter sun
Although the lavender heather is hardy, it does not tolerate winter sun well. When there is severe frost in winter and the sun is shining at the same time, the flower buds suffer. These form in autumn and survive on the shoots from winter to spring. Frost and sun can freeze them to death. Then it says: No flowers next spring.
For this reason, it is recommended to protect a lavender heather that has a location in the sun in the winter. It should be covered with leaves or brushwood so that sunlight cannot fall on the flower buds. The cover should be removed again in February.
Care just before and during the winter period
Before the onset of winter, you can remove dead shoots that are too long, too close together and dead. The best time is either shortly after flowering or in autumn. The cut is not carried out too radically with secateurs.
Winter time doesn't mean you can put your feet up and not have to worry about the lavender heath all the time. Since this plant has evergreen foliage that evaporates water even in winter, watering plays an important role in dry times. Water sparingly and only on frost-free days! Remember not to add fertilizer to the irrigation water!
Protecting lavender heathers in pots
Lavender heathers in pots need to be protected in winter:
- cut carefully
- Wrap the pot with fleece, jute or bubble wrap
- Place the pot on a wooden or Styrofoam block
- protected place e.g. E.g. choose on the wall of the house
Tips & Tricks
The species Pieris forrésii is not very hardy in this country. Should generally be protected or quartered.
