Small leaves, a dense growth that is content with a low height and typically numerous white flowers make up the characteristic appearance of candytufts. How hardy are these plants?
How hardy is candytuft and when does it need protection?
The candytuft is hardy and can withstand temperatures down to -15 °C. Winter protection is recommended for freshly sown plants, rough locations, temperatures below -15 °C and for potted candytufts. Protective measures include cutting back in autumn and covering with brushwood.
Your temperature minimum: -15 °C
The candytuft is originally native to southern Europe. Nevertheless, it can tolerate frost and the winter temperatures of Central Europe. Both the umbellate candytuft and the evergreen candytuft (and other lesser-known species) are considered to be very hardy and can cope with frosts down to -15 °C. They are therefore to be considered perennial.
When should you protect the candytuft?
But under certain conditions, winter protection is not a mistake, but rather recommended:
- was only sown in autumn
- stands in an unprotected, rough situation
- Temperatures fall below -15°C
- freshly planted cuttings outdoors
- Ribbon Flowers in Pot
Cut down in autumn
After flowering, the candytuft is cut back in autumn. It is best to shorten the shoots to 2/3 of the total height or 10 cm above the ground! You can also remove wilted leaves. Cutting is highly recommended as preparation for the winter.
Cover with brushwood
After pruning, you can cover your candytuft. Softwood brushwood, for example fir and spruce trees, is best suited for this purpose. The reason: Many candytufts are evergreen. The foliage needs brightness even in winter. Therefore, leaves and compost are not suitable as cover. However, light penetrates through brushwood to the plant and its leaves.
If your candytuft is in a pot on the balcony, for example, you should place the pot on the wall of the house over the winter. Beforehand, the pot is wrapped with fleece or another insulating material. Don’t forget to water sparingly!
Corrective cut in spring
The winter protection can be removed towards the end of February/beginning of March. A correction cut can now be made. Dried and possibly frozen shoots are cut off. You can then fertilize your candytuft with compost or liquid fertilizer.
Tip
It is advisable not to challenge the temperature minimum. It is therefore a good idea to protect your candytufts from temperatures around -10 °C.
