Jiaogulan comes from far away. Does the plant only have beauty or also winter hardiness? If it is in your home as a houseplant all year round, the question is not so crucial. But out in the open, answering them is essential to survival.
Only conditionally hardy
Jiaogulan is a perennial climbing plant that can stay outside all year round. But when spending time outdoors in winter, it is important to know the limits of what is bearable. For this Asian herb it is around -15 °C. Since the thermometer can drop lower in this country, Jiaogulan is only partially hardy.
Plant in mild regions
In mild regions of our country, the chances are good that the herb of immortality will survive in the garden for many years. However, give it a protected place when planting. Covering the root base with brushwood or leaves also contributes to safe wintering.
vines and leaves die off
Don't be shocked when the leaves start to wilt in autumn. This process is typical for all specimens that have a permanent location outdoors. Of these, only the rhizome buried in the ground will overwinter. Leave the dried vines on until spring, as they are a natural protection against the cold.
Tip
If you harvest the still green leaves early in autumn and then gently dry them in the air, you don't have to wait until new growth in spring for a he althy cup of Jiaogulan tea.
Mix of outdoor and indoor culture
If you don't trust winter or live in a harsh area, cultivating in a large container (€75.00 at Amazon) is a good idea. The herb can breathe fresh air there from spring to autumn. If it gets cooler, a move has to take place:
- needs a bright place
- can continue to grow at 15 to 20 °C
- z. B. in the winter garden
- the plant then retains its foliage
- it remains evergreen and decorative
If the available winter quarters are dark, the plant can still overwinter there. In this case, you should jiaogulan up to about 10 cm. cut back.
Winter hardiness doesn't matter for houseplants
You can also cultivate Jiaogulan exclusively indoors. The long tendrils are particularly effective in hanging plants. Winter hardiness doesn't matter in the room. But please note that the warmer a plant is in winter, the more care it requires from you.
