The sun's eye can delight us for longer than just a few summer months, but to do that it has to get through the winter well into the new year. In autumn there is nothing living left above the ground; all the strength is in the roots. How can it be protected from the cold?
Is the sun's eye hardy?
The suneye is hardy and can easily overwinter outdoors. No special protective measures are necessary in Europe. However, for potted plants, you should choose an isolated location and protect the roots with fleece and brushwood.
The sun's eye has to get through the winter
In autumn the flowers disappear, the green leaves disappear and the above-ground part of the perennial dries up. It appears as if the entire plant is dead, but that is deceptive. The suneye can sprout again just in time in spring because it is perennial.
Its roots deep in the earth are still full of life force and wait “invisibly” for warm spring days. This results in the need for wintering, although the sun's eye cannot expect pleasant temperatures during this time. How does it cope?
The origin is in North America and Mexico
This flower has its origins in North America and Mexico, far from our continent. It makes sense to assume that the winters there may be milder than ours. Can sub-zero temperatures in this country cause problems for the sun's eye and require the owner to take appropriate protective measures?
The winter hardiness is suitable for outdoor use
The good news is: Even though the sun's eye has traveled this far to us, it brought good winter hardiness with it. European winters don't affect the plant, it can stay in the garden soil all year round.
Protection measures are not required, for which the owner is not ungrateful as it saves a lot of work. If you have time, you can spread some brushwood over the perennial to protect the moisture-sensitive roots.
Bucket specimens have a harder time
Many compact varieties can also be cultivated in a container. There is nothing wrong with admiring them for several years. While they can safely stay outside in summer, winter poses a greater challenge for their roots.
- If possible, place in a cool and bright area
- alternatively outside in a protected place
- Place pot on insulating Styrofoam
- wrap with plenty of fleece (€34.00 on Amazon)
- Remove dry matter
- Cover soil with brushwood
As soon as there is no longer any threat of frost, the winter protection can be removed.
