The harlequin willow comes from Japan, but is considered a pioneer plant that quickly adapts to new climate conditions. But does this also apply to the cold winter months? Find out the answer here.
Do you need to protect a harlequin willow in winter?
A harlequin willow can easily overwinter outdoors because it is frost-resistant and dependent on light frost. However, potted plants and young specimens require protection from extremely sub-zero temperatures and a suitable location.
Does the harlequin willow need to be overwintered?
The USDA hardiness zone indicates the temperatures up to which a plant is frost-resistant. The harlequin willow achieves a value of 9 to 4, which means that it can not only be overwintered outdoors without any problems, but is even dependent on light frost. Since temperatures in this latitude rarely fall below -30°C, you don't have to worry about your plant being damaged in winter.
Container and young plants
The situation is different when cultivating in pots and with young specimens. In the first few years you should protect your harlequin willow from frost.
Instructions
- You can also overwinter young plants outdoors
- A place on a south-facing house wall is recommended
- If temperatures are very below zero, wrap the bucket with foil (€28.00 on Amazon) or a jute bag
- Make sure that the foil does not hinder the oxygen supply
- Cover the substrate with a permeable fleece, brushwood or straw
The suitable location for wintering
Only bring your harlequin willow into the house in an extreme emergency. Closed rooms offer unfavorable conditions such as
- high humidity
- Lack of light
- or warm heating air
If there is no way around wintering indoors, you should choose a bright, cool room.
Winter Care
In winter, the harlequin willow requires little care. Watering is hardly necessary as the plant completely sheds its leaves. This also prevents moist substrate from freezing.
