If you find liver balm (Ageratum) in the garden center or nursery, it will certainly be offered to you as an annual plant. In fact, this lush, many shades of color and very long-flowering ornament is perennial.
Is liver balm perennial and how do I overwinter it?
The liver balm (Ageratum) is basically perennial, but is usually traded as an annual plant. Overwintering is possible if the plant is kept frost-free and bright. Only after the Ice Saints is she allowed back outside.
This might sound confusing at first, but there are reasons for it. Because it is much easier to leave the liver balm in the garden until the first frost, then dispose of it and simply get a new plant in the spring than to bring the existing plant to its winter quarters in time and care for it there. So you can enjoy the lush blooms until November.
Can I overwinter my liver balm?
Although it is rarely recommended, the liver balm, which is not hardy, can be easily overwintered. Since it cannot tolerate frost, it must be brought into the warm in time before the first night frosts. At this time it may still be in full bloom, which may make your project a little more complicated, as pruning is not recommended.
Place the liver balm in a bright place that guarantees temperatures of at least 5°C all winter long. This can be a cool winter garden or a heated greenhouse. A dark basement room, on the other hand, is not suitable. Continue watering the plant regularly as long as your Liver Balm is still blooming. Then reduce the watering. Don't add fertilizer to your liver balm until spring.
When can I plant the liver balm again?
As long as you still expect late frosts, you should leave the liver balm in its winter quarters, otherwise all your previous efforts may have been in vain. Once the Ice Saints are over, he can return to his original location. You can use your liver balm to get used to the fresh air in a balcony box or bucket on warm days.
The most important things in brief:
- principally perennial
- not hardy
- is usually sold as an annual plant
- Wintering is rarely recommended, but is generally possible
- Winter frost-free and brightly
- only plant out again after the Ice Saints
Tip
Liver balm (Ageratum) is naturally perennial. If you have the space, just overwinter it.
