The bizarre zigzag shrub (Corokia) originally comes from New Zealand, where temperatures rarely fall below 0 degrees, even in winter. Nevertheless, depending on how it is grown, the zigzag shrub can tolerate light frost. Find out below how hardy the Corokia is and how to properly overwinter the shrub.
Is the zigzag shrub hardy?
The zigzag shrub (Corokia) is conditionally hardy, but does not tolerate severe, persistent frosts. In mild regions it can overwinter outdoors with frost protection. At cool temperatures between 5 and 10 degrees it will bloom profusely in spring.
The winter hardiness of the zigzag bush
The information regarding the hardiness of Corokia varies from garden center to garden center. While some plant shops sell their zigzag shrub with a winter hardiness down to -10°C or even down to -15°C, others state that the shrub is not winter hardy. If in doubt, ask when purchasing how hardy the variety you are purchasing is. In general, it can be said that the Corokia tolerates strong, persistent frost rather poorly and frost-free wintering is preferable, especially in areas with cold winters. In mild regions, the zigzag shrub can overwinter outside with frost protection.
Overwinter zigzag shrub indoors in a pot
The zigzag bush must be kept cool over the winter, otherwise it will only bloom sparsely in spring. Temperatures between 5 and 10 degrees are ideal. It will reward a bright location in the garage, hallway or frost-free greenhouse with abundant, typically forsythia-like flowers.
Overwinter zigzag bush outside
In regions with mild winters, you can definitely try to overwinter the zigzag shrub outside. This has the advantage that, with a bit of luck, the planted Corokia will reach its maximum size of two or even two and a half meters. Be sure to protect the shrub from the cold, for example with:
- Jute bags (protection from above)
- Lay leaves, mulch or other material on the root area (protection from below)
You can wrap a potted zigzag bush in insulating material. However, if you overwinter in a pot outdoors, there is a greater risk that the shrub will freeze.
Care for zigzag bush in winter
In winter, the non-poisonous zigzag shrub needs very little water. Fertilization should be stopped. Make sure that the zigzag bush is bright and cool enough so that it blooms beautifully in spring. Even in summer, the Corokia likes cooler temperatures of around 15°C.
