The harp bush genus mostly contains perennial herbaceous plants or sub-shrubs, which, however, are not winter-hardy in Central Europe. Many species come from Africa or Southeast Asia and are well adapted to the local climate.
Is the harp bush hardy?
Most harp bush species are not hardy and can only be protected in winter by special measures such as growing young plants or overwintering at 12-15 °C. In winter they should be watered little and not fertilized.
Nevertheless, you don't necessarily have to buy new plants every spring, as there are other ways to prevent this in addition to overwintering old plants. The harp bush grows quite quickly and can be easily propagated through leaf cuttings. When the leaf nodes of hanging shoots hit the ground, small roots quickly form there. After a while you can easily separate and transplant the daughter plants.
How do you care for the harp bush in winter?
The harp bush can also occasionally be found as a houseplant. In winter it goes into a resting phase. During this time it requires no fertilizer and less water than in the growing season. Temperatures between 12 and 15 °C are ideal. Under similar conditions, you can also try overwintering your harp bush from the garden, for example in a heated greenhouse or winter garden. This especially applies to freshly grown young plants.
The harp bush can be propagated practically at any time. It's best to start this in late summer, so next spring you'll have strong plants that will keep cats and other unwanted animals out of your flower beds.
Cut head cuttings about 5 – 7 cm long and remove the lower leaves. Then stick these shoots directly into the growing substrate and keep it moderately moist. In a bright place without direct sunlight, fresh roots will form after a short time. Now you can repot the plants. The young plants should stay indoors until the end of May.
Winter tips for the harp bush:
- most species not frost hardy
- Use winter to grow new plants
- ideal winter temperature: 12 – 15 °C
- do not fertilize
- water little
Tip
Use the winter to grow new young plants for the coming spring.
