In summer, balcony flowers make a colorful, fragrant guest appearance. We enjoy this to the fullest. Afterwards it's way too cold for us outside, so we prefer to stay inside. But what about the balcony plants? Can we leave them in the rain and snow?
How can I get balcony flowers over the winter?
Can balcony flowers overwinter? Some balcony plants tolerate sub-zero temperatures well and can be left outside. Others require frost-free winter quarters. Winter protection is essential for hardy plants: protected placement, fleece wrapping and insulating Styrofoam panels under pots.
Balcony or winter quarters?
This question cannot be answered clearly with yes or no. Because winter hardiness varies from balcony plant to balcony plant.
- some balcony plants tolerate sub-zero temperatures well
- they can stay outside
- for others, even low plus temperatures are devastating
- they have to go to frost-free winter quarters in good time
While most apartments have a balcony, suitable rooms for wintering are almost never available. Since the pots take up too much space, many flowers are only cultivated as annuals. They must be purchased new the following year. This is both a shame and expensive in the long run.
Tip
Think about the coming fall when planting in spring. If you have to leave your plants outside all the time, choosing winter-hardy plants makes sense.
Winter protection is essential
Even hardy balcony plants don't like the cold. This can easily reach its roots, especially in a pot. Therefore, place your balcony plants as sheltered as possible or under a roof. Wrap them with fleece (€34.00 on Amazon) and place insulating polystyrene plates under the pots.
Tip
Stop fertilizing your balcony flowers as early as mid-August. This gives you the opportunity to harden your shoots.
