Shelter of heuchera for the winter and protection of the plant from frost

Preparation for insulation

Geykhera is a fairly frost-resistant plant that, in the middle lane, can overwinter without shelter. However, in the absence of proper care, the plant may be weakened and unprepared for winter. Also, the need for shelter depends on the variety and variety. Preparation for the cold season begins in the fall with seasonal agrotechnical measures.

Video "Proper preparation of plants for winter"

In this video, you will learn how to properly prepare geykhera and other plants for the winter period.

Pruning

One of the biggest misconceptions when caring for a geyhera is the need for mandatory autumn pruning. Most gardeners prune everything at the root, believing that the death of leaves and peduncles is inevitable. However, in this case, the root system of the plant may suffer. The rhizome of the shrub is located close to the soil surface, and not deep in the ground. Therefore, without the protection of the foliage, the growth buds become bare. As a result, severe frost can destroy a decorative bush.

Overgrown foliage becomes a natural shelter for roots and under a layer of snow the plant can overwinter normally. And the peduncles can be removed without a doubt - they cannot serve as protection, but they can pull life-giving juices and weaken the bush before wintering.

Top dressing and watering

Caring for Heuchera in the fall has its own characteristics, without which it will not be possible to properly prepare the plant for winter.

The root system of the shrub is located superficially, so it is important to ensure that the soil does not dry out, but also that stagnant water does not form. It is especially important to take this nuance into account if the autumn turned out to be rainy. Therefore, if the culture is planted in a lowland, then drainage must be provided.

You can prevent cracking of the soil with mulching, which will help retain moisture and provide ventilation. Watered in the morning or in the evening with settled water at room temperature. If there is enough rainfall, then watering can be excluded.

In the first year after planting, the flower does not need feeding, since it is assumed that all the necessary nutrients have been added to the soil. Further, it is recommended to feed Heuchera with complex mineral fertilizers. The source of nitrogen for the plant is humus, which is used for mulching the outlets, so additional nitrogen-containing feeding is not required.

Fertilizers are selected according to the cultivated variety. For decorative flowering plants, a universal feeding for flowering plants is suitable. In the case of growing ornamental deciduous shrubs, you will need complex feeding for deciduous ones. In the fall, the bush is fed after it has completely faded. The exact time depends on the region.

Insulation materials

Depending on the specifics of winters in the region, you can opt for natural or industrial shelter. Of the natural insulation materials for the shelter of heuchera, you can use sphagnum moss, tops, spruce branches. Mulch is also suitable - humus, sand or earth. Sawdust and oak leaves are often used.In the conditions of severe frosty winters, it is better to use one of the special industrial materials. Agrofibre or spunbond is perfect. Shelter film will not work, since it does not allow air to pass through, and the plant may simply stifle under it or rot.

Work order

The characteristics of the variety and the peculiarities of winter in the region will tell you whether you need to cover your Heuchera for the winter. After completing the care measures and with the arrival of the first hard frosts, they go directly to the shelter. You need to think about the upcoming shelter even when planting a plant. It is much easier to cover group landings. In the middle lane, the bush is mulched, spud and covered with sphagnum or spruce branches.

The hard Siberian frosts require a different type of shelter. The air-dry method is optimal: the bush is covered with a wooden box on top, which is wrapped in spunbond. Additionally, branches can be laid on top. Such a shelter guarantees a comfortable and safe wintering for the Heuchera. It is important not to overdo it, because some modern hybrid varieties under snow cover can easily tolerate frost below 40 ° C.

When to remove insulation

Geykhera can suffer not only from frost and wind, but scorching sun rays cause no less harm. Therefore, at the beginning of spring, when the frosts recede, the shelter must be removed, but not completely. If possible, you need to leave a canopy of covering material so that the earth has time to warm up and the root system begins to function normally.

After the bush has adapted to the spring heat, last year's leaves, which served as protection for the roots, must be completely cut off. You should not be afraid: thanks to proper spring care, the bush will soon become even larger and more beautiful.

When preparing for the winter and sheltering the Heuchera, be sure to take into account the characteristics of the variety and the peculiarities of the course of winter in the region. Improper care can destroy the plant faster than frost or sun.