As an experienced home gardener, you probably know that most perennials are hardy. However, there are a few aspects to consider so that the plants get through the winter ideally (and beautifully). This article describes details about this.
How do you protect perennials in winter?
Most perennials are hardy and do not require wintering assistance, except for frost-sensitive species. However, it is advisable to protect against winter sun and drying out by covering the perennials with leaves, brushwood or straw. Remove winter protection in spring to avoid pests and fungal infestation.
Wintering aid – yes or no?
With the onset of winter, the majority of perennials fall into hibernation. Many species and varieties are completely hardy, so they do not necessarily require winterization assistance.
Note: Only frost-sensitive perennials should be moved to milder winter quarters to protect them from frost damage.
You can leave all other perennials in the garden without hesitation. However, you should definitely cover the root area of freshly planted perennials in autumn, for example with
- Leaves,
- brushwood or
- Straw.
Is it better to cover all the perennials?
There is a good reason to cover every plant in winter despite the reliable winter hardiness of almost all perennials: most winter damage does not result from freezing, but from thirst. Some hobby gardeners tend to underestimate the power of the winter sun. In fact, it can cause great damage to perennials:
- Winter sun dries out plants
- Winter sun causes plants to “burn” when the ground is frozen
- Winter sun creates high temperature differences between day and night
Perennials cannot cope with all of these influences. It is therefore advisable to provide the plants with shade. This can provide you with soothing relief.
Further winter protection measures
Here are two recommendations on how else you can get your perennials ready for the winter:
- Stop fertilizing (with a high concentration of nitrogen) in good time - by July at the latest.
- Leave the wilted leaves on the plants until early spring.
Extra: Do not cut perennials before winter
Unless they are early bloomers, you should only cut your perennials in spring, and this is why:
- Frost protection
- no bare beds in the cool season
- attractive fruit and seed heads
- Birds and beneficial insects benefit
Especially when the fruit and seed heads of the perennials are covered with hoarfrost or snow in winter, they conjure up a wonderfully beautiful sight in your garden.
Remove the cover in good time
Remove the winter protection before the perennials sprout again - i.e. in February or March at the latest. When the weather gets warmer, the cover promotes fungal infestation and pests.
