She is beautiful and a real eye-catcher. But it is also poisonous. However, one thing is not yet clear: Is the parrot plant, which seems so exotic, even hardy?
Is the parrot plant hardy?
The parrot plant is partially hardy and survives frost in North America. Protect newly propagated specimens or plants in pots at temperatures below -10 °C. In autumn, shed leaves and cover the root area with brushwood or compost.
Sufficiently frost hardy in this country
The parrot plant looks like it comes from the tropics. But this appearance is deceptive. It finds its home in North America and is hardy in this country due to this area of origin. It is a perennial that tolerates frost well.
When should you protect the parrot plant from frost?
However, under certain circumstances you may want to protect your parrot plant from (severe) frost:
- freshly propagated specimens
- in rough locations
- at temperatures below -10 °C
- Parrot plants planted in containers or pots and placed on the balcony or terrace
Provide with winter protection after the leaves have been shed
The parrot plant sheds its leaves in autumn. In addition, their stems die. The plant retreats into its rootstock and survives there until spring. Their seeds are often blown away and then germinate from March onwards. From mid-October you should provide the plants that are left outside with brushwood, compost or a layer of leaves in the root area.
Overwinter parrot plants in pots indoors
You should put the plants that are in the pot in late autumn in a cool but frost-free place. The soil should not dry out completely, but should remain dry. The parrot plant is not fertilized in winter.
After winter care is needed
After the parrot plant has successfully overwintered, care is important. From the end of March, these plants will receive fertilizer for the first time, for example in the form of liquid fertilizer (€9.00 on Amazon) or compost. They are now watered regularly again when they are in the bucket. It may be necessary to repot or divide them.
Tip
From April you can put your overwintered parrot plant out again and cut it back slightly if necessary.