Gemswurz (Doronicum), also known as Gamswurz or Gämswurz, is a plant that blooms early in the year and looks very pretty among other spring bloomers with its golden yellow flowers in a sunny or partially shaded location. The care is not complicated. How to care for gemswort in the garden.
How do you care for gemwort in the garden?
Gemsroot care includes occasional watering during dry periods, spring feeding with organic fertilizer or compost, pruning in fall or spring, dividing the plant every 3 to 4 years, and no need for winter protection. Diseases and pests are rare.
Does gemsroot need to be watered?
Like all spring bloomers, Gemswurz only needs to be watered when it hasn't rained for a long time. The soil should not dry out completely, but should not be too moist either. Gemswurz does not tolerate waterlogging at all.
How is gemroot fertilized?
Gemswurz is a very undemanding plant that requires few nutrients. It is enough if it is fertilized in spring with a little organic fertilizer (€56.00 on Amazon) or mature compost.
It is even better if you mulch the soil around the gemswurz with organic materials. This releases sufficient nutrients. In addition, the soil moisture is kept constant.
When is gemsroot cut?
Cut off faded and dried parts of the plant as soon as possible. This will extend the flowering period. Gemswurz tolerates heavy pruning in autumn. At this point you may cut the plant back to the ground.
If you missed pruning in the fall, grab the scissors in the spring and shorten the gemswurz to around ten centimeters.
Is sharing Gemswurz necessary?
Gemswurz is perennial and increases in size over time. You should dig up and divide the plant every three to four years in the spring.
- Dig up gemroot
- divide with the spade in the middle
- Prepare new planting hole with compost or horn shavings
- replant both pieces
What diseases and pests occur?
Gemswort is a very robust plant that rarely suffers from diseases or pest infestations.
If the plant starts to rot, this is usually due to the soil being too moist or even waterlogged.
Does Gemswurz need winter protection?
Gemswurz is native to the Alps and therefore tolerates cold well. Winter protection is not necessary.
Tip
Gemwort is not poisonous to humans. Chamois root was even used as a medicinal plant in the past. However, the root of the plant is said to be able to cause symptoms of poisoning in animals.
