The tropical liver balm (bot. Ageratum) cannot be described as hardy, it does not like frost. You can usually find it in stores as an annual plant, although in nature it can live for several years.
Is Ageratum hardy?
The tropical liver balm (Ageratum) is not hardy and does not tolerate frost. It is usually sold commercially as an annual plant. Overwintering is possible if the temperature does not fall below 5 °C and the location is bright and warm.
In principle, Ageratum houstonianum is a perennial plant; botanically it is referred to as a perennial herbaceous plant. Its long flowering period, which ideally lasts from May to November, makes it a popular ornamental plant.
Is it worth overwintering liver balm?
Overwintering liver balm is rarely recommended. It is more practical to simply buy a new plant in the spring. Buying a new one may also be “cheaper” than storing it over the winter. If you want to avoid the throwaway habit, then you should definitely consider overwintering, especially if you have suitable winter quarters. You can also cut cuttings for propagation in the spring.
Where should I overwinter my Ageratum?
The liver balsam likes it sunny and warm, so its location should be bright not only in summer, but also in winter quarters. Make sure that the temperatures there do not fall below around 5 °C. An at least slightly heated winter garden or a warm greenhouse are ideal for overwintering your liver balm.
How do I care for my ageratum in winter?
If you want to get your liver balm through the winter well, then bring it to its winter quarters in time before the first night frosts. The easiest way to do this is to grow it in a bucket, or a small variety in a balcony box. The plant is probably still flowering at this point, but don't let that stop you.
During the winter, the liver balm needs no fertilizer and only a little water. But it shouldn't dry out completely. So caring for it isn’t all that complicated. Only when the Ice Saints are over in May can the Ageratum houstonianum be brought outside again.
The most important things in brief:
- not frost hardy
- available commercially as an annual plant
- Overwintering is rarely recommended
Tip
If you have enough space in suitable winter quarters, then try overwintering your Ageratum.
