Alyssum feels in good hands in rock gardens, on dry stone walls, on roofs and in cottage gardens. Next to blue cushions it is expressed in high contrast. But what happens to him in winter? Is it helpless exposed to the forces of nature and freezes to death?
Is silverweed hardy and how can it be overwintered?
Is silverweed hardy? No, silverweed is usually not hardy and is cultivated as an annual. However, in a mild location and with protective measures such as pruning and covering with brushwood, it can overwinter. Pot culture in a cool room is also possible.
Usually not hardy and only annual
Although the exterior that it presents during its heyday can be remotely reminiscent of snow. But that shouldn't hide the fact that silverweed is one of the most sensitive plants in the bed. It is not hardy.
One reason for the poor winter hardiness is the original distribution area of silverweed. It comes from the Mediterranean region, where it inhabits coasts and sandy beaches. As a result, it is usually only cultivated as an annual in this country.
Cover? Useless?
If the silverweed is outside, for example in the rock garden or in the perennial bed, it could survive the winter if it is adequately protected and in a mild location. In regions like Rhineland-Palatinate it is worth a try.
To do this, cut down the silverweed radically in autumn! Then check the plant to see if it still has any diseased areas. These are removed. The cut plant is then covered with brushwood such as spruce.
Overwintering usually works when grown in pots
Have you kept the silverweed in a bucket or trough on the balcony and don't want to part with it? Then you can try to overwinter it. The plant should be cut back by 2/3 beforehand. It is then placed in a room that is around 5 °C cool. During the winter you should not fertilize the perennial, but water it sparingly.
Simply sow again after winter
Don't worry if the silverweed freezes in winter. If you sow it again in spring, you will be able to admire its flowers again in summer. Sowing outdoors works like this:
- from April
- Spread seeds in the bed
- Light germinator: Do not or only cover lightly with soil
- moisten with a fine shower head
- keep moist
- later isolated to 15 cm
Tip
An insider tip is the yellow-flowering rock silverwort and especially the variety 'Compactum'. It is considered winterproof.
