The balloon flower, also known as the Chinese bellflower, is quite hardy. It can survive temperatures down to -15 °C relatively unscathed, some experts even say -20 °C. Only young plants and those in planters need protection from frost.
Is the balloon flower hardy?
The balloon flower is hardy and can survive temperatures down to -15 °C, sometimes even -20 °C. Young plants and plants in containers need protection from frost. Do not cut off wilted plant parts in autumn as they serve as natural winter protection.
You should not cut off the withered parts of the plant in autumn, they are a natural winter protection for the balloon flower. It is therefore advisable to cut back the balloon flower in spring before it sprouts again. By the way, cold wind and heavy rain can harm this plant more than short-term frost. Therefore, ensure good wind and rain protection.
Young plants can use a little more protection from the cold. Cover these with a layer of leaves, bark mulch or brushwood. If the ground is frost-free, don't completely stop watering your plants, otherwise they will die of thirst.
Overwintering balloon flowers in planters
Since the balloon flowers are very attached to their location, they don't like being moved frequently. Nevertheless, if they have been planted in containers, they must be prepared for overwintering and possibly moved to winter quarters.
Carefully wrap the container on all sides with bubble wrap (€49.00 on Amazon), burlap, an old blanket or other heat-insulating material so that frost cannot penetrate the root ball. If you have a greenhouse or an unheated winter garden, you can also let your balloon flower overwinter there. In this case, it does not need any further protection from the cold.
The most important winter tips for the balloon flower:
- do not cut off withered plant parts in autumn
- protect young plants from frost
- Protect the root balls of balcony and potted plants from frost
- water when the ground is not frozen
- If possible, overwinter in the winter garden or greenhouse
- protect from heavy rain and cold wind
Tip
Plants can die of thirst even in winter! As long as the ground is frost-free, water your balloon flower, although slightly less than in the summer months.
