The home of the gentian bush is in mild South America. Too far to send him on his winter vacation. But the Solanum rantonnetii can't stay at home in the garden either. The only option is your own four walls.
How do I successfully overwinter a gentian bush (Solanum rantonnetii)?
To overwinter the gentian bush (Solanum rantonnetii) successfully, place it in a bright, frost-free winter quarters with temperatures above 7 °C. Meanwhile, water sparingly, do not fertilize and check for pests. From mid-May the plant can go outdoors again.
No chance in the garden bed
The gentian bush will never survive subzero temperatures in the garden bed. Because all the protective measures we know are unable to give him his comfortable temperature. Solanum rantonnetii is not and will not remain winter hardy. A temperature value that is comfortable for him not only has to be in the plus range, it should also be higher than 7 °C.
If your gentian bush is in the garden soil, which is certainly an option for cultivation, it has to be left in the fall. Do not wait until the frost line approaches. Offer to move him into a large tub as soon as temperatures threaten to drop below 7°C.
Pail specimens also have to go in
It doesn't matter whether a specimen lives in the pot permanently or stays in it as a guest from the garden. It must overwinter in a winter quarters. Consider this when purchasing this plant, which can quickly grow to meters high. It would be a shame if their lives were sacrificed to the cold due to lack of space.
Suitable winter quarters
The winter quarters provided must meet one condition: it must remain completely frost-free throughout the entire wintering period. Ideally it is bright and warmer than 7°C. If necessary, wintering in living rooms is even possible.
If you only have a dark room available, wintering does not have to fail. Solanum rantonnetii will survive there too. However, it will lose its foliage and will have to get a new one in the spring. Not a big deal, don't you think? Well, if you can come to terms with a delayed start to flowering, then yes.
Wintering process
It all starts with paying close attention to the temperature values from the beginning of autumn. Because in this country no one can date exactly when the temperature will drop below 7 °C.
Before housing, the shrub should be thoroughly inspected for pests. Otherwise, if it shares space with other plants, uncontrolled spread can quickly occur. If the new location offers little space, pruning can be done now, which would otherwise only be done after moving out.
Now for care during wintering. It remains manageable:
- occasionally water modestly
- check regularly for pest infestation
- do not fertilize!
- occasionally put out to soak up the sun (only if the temperature is right!)
End hibernation
Overwintering is over when the outside temperature consistently meets the shrub's requirements. Never plant Solanum ratonnettii before mid-May because subsequent frosts can still occur. Potted specimens should start the new season with fresh substrate. Repot them!
Note:The gentian bush is poisonous in all parts! Be careful when in direct contact with the plant. Also keep children and pets away from her.
