In the garden pond, the pike herb delights us all summer long with numerous purple spiked flowers. In autumn, the visible parts of the plant wilt. But if the rhizomes survive the winter safely, pikeweed will sprout again the following year.
How can I overwinter pikeweed in winter?
To protect pike weed in winter, you can cover it in place with brushwood or leaves, move it to the deep water zone of the pond or overwinter it indoors. Make sure the plant is protected from frost and the roots are kept moist.
Wintering options
The pike herb is definitely not the only plant in the garden that needs to be brought safely through the cold season. So autumn can turn into a busy season. It is therefore important to weigh up possible wintering alternatives. There are also three options for the pike herb:
- overwinter in place with protective measures
- move to deep water zone
- Take the plant out of the pond and overwinter in the house
Winter in place
Planted specimens do not have to be laboriously dug out of the ground and replanted in the pot. They are allowed to stay where they are. In order for them to survive, they absolutely need a “warming blanket”. In this case it consists of brushwood, leaves or straw. These natural materials protect the rootstock from excessive cold.
In spring the cover must be completely removed again so that it does not get in the way of new growth.
Move to deep water zone
Pike weed is often used against algae. Depending on the variety, its planting depth in the garden pond is 10 to 40 cm. However, in this area the pike weed is at risk of frost. The chances of survival are better deeper in the pond. The water is warmer and it doesn't freeze.
If you had the foresight to put the pikeweed in a basket when planting it, you can now simply move it one level lower. They should reach a depth of at least 50 cm. The plant remains in the depths until spring, until the greatest danger from sub-zero temperatures has passed. It can then move to a higher place again.
Get the plant out of the pond
If the pike weed is in the basket, it is easy to remove the rhizome from the pond. Because you can also spend the winter outside of it. In one room it is even up to you to ensure that the thermometer never drops below zero.
- Place the basket or pot in a frost-free, bright place
- the room can also be sunny and warm
- Do not expose the plant to drafts
- Keep roots moist, but not dripping wet
From around April, the pike weed can safely return to the pond and sprout new shoots and flowers for the coming season.
Tip
If you have a cold water aquarium in your house, you can also overwinter pikeweed in it.
