The cockade flower (Gallardia) is a robust and easy-care perennial from the daisy family. The brightly colored flowers, which become darker from the center towards the edge, look extremely attractive and look great in any perennial bed. The plant is even moderately hardy and, provided it has the right winter protection, can cope well with low temperatures.
Is the cockade flower hardy and how to protect it in winter?
The cockade flower (Gallardia) is moderately hardy and requires protection from cold and moisture in winter. Winter hardiness varies depending on the variety. Leave enough foliage on the plant and ensure loose, well-drained soil to avoid waterlogging.
Hardiness
How hardy the cockade flower is also seems to depend on the variety. While some garden owners are disappointed to discover in spring that Gallardia no longer sprouts, others report that the cockade flower sprouts reliably every year, even in very rough locations. So it's worth experimenting with different varieties if necessary.
Preparing for winter
Do not shorten the cockade flower completely in winter but leave as much foliage as possible on the plant. In cold areas it is recommended to cut Gallardia as early as September. The perennial then grows fresh greenery that can serve as winter protection. Spread a loose mulch cover over it (€51.00 on Amazon) and a shading with pine branches.
Wetness in winter
Gallardia reacts very sensitively to too much moisture, not only in the summer months, but also in winter. Often the plant dies not because it was too cold, but because the winter moisture killed it.
So loosen heavy soils a little with sand or fine-grained gravel when planting. Adding compost also ensures that the soil becomes looser and therefore more water-permeable. Additionally fill a drainage layer of sand or gravel into the planting hole so that the cockade flower does not have permanently wet feet.
Tip
In rough areas it is recommended to place the cockade flower in a protected location, for example in front of a wall. This stores the heat of the day and releases it into the environment at night. This noticeably reduces the effect of very cold winters.
