With its name and its flowers reminiscent of shining suns during a sunset, the sun bride seems to rely on a lot of warmth and light. That's right. But what does it look like when the temperatures fall and with them the light intensity?
Is the Sun Bride hardy?
The Sun Bride is winter hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to -26 °C in protected locations and up to -20 °C in unprotected locations. However, in extreme sub-zero temperatures or in pot cultivation, the plant should be protected by insulating materials such as fleece, jute or leaves.
Well hardy in this country
The sun bride appears delicate with its lovely flowers and its loose, graceful growth. However, despite her appearance, she is not sensitive. In this country it is considered to be very hardy. Most varieties can survive temperatures down to -26 °C in protected locations without any problems. In unprotected locations, winter hardiness is -20 °C.
Protect in extreme locations and at extremely low temperatures
If your sun bride is at an altitude that gets snowy in winter and where extreme sub-zero temperatures are the norm, you should protect the plant. Insulating materials that are placed on the root area of the plant like a layer of mulch are suitable for protection. These include, for example:
- fleece
- Jute
- Leaves
- brushwood
- Fir and spruce branches
- Compost
Always protect potted plants
Special attention is given to plants that were in pots in summer, for example on the balcony or terrace. They should not spend the winter outside unprotected. Here either a change of the current location is required or the pot should be covered with fleece. Additionally, if the pot is left outside, it should be placed on a block of wood.
Avoid waterlogging in the root area
Winter wetness is deadly for the sun bride. Therefore, make sure to ensure good drainage in the soil when planting. A lot of water often forms in winter due to melting snow. If it builds up in the root area, the roots will quickly rot. On the other hand, Helenium should not dry out in winter.
Preparation and follow-up work
- cut back to just above the ground in autumn
- tie tall varieties together in winter if they have not been cut back
- remove dead leaves
- divide and transplant in spring if necessary
- increase watering and fertilization from March
Tip
The winter hardiness of Helenium depends on the variety - for example, the variety called 'Dakota Gold' can only tolerate temperatures down to -15 °C.
