Winter care for Beardtongue is relatively simple since this is an herbaceous perennial plant that goes dormant in winter. This plant requires some care and attention in the fall to help it survive the winter, and that’s it. Clean it up in the spring when the weather is consistently warm and wait for the new growth to emerge.
Protecting Beardtongue in Winter
Depending on the cultivar, Beardtongue can grow as a perennial in zones 3 through 8. All above-ground growth dies in the fall, and the ground protects the roots. Plants grown in cold climates will benefit from a thick layer of mulch to give the roots extra insulation, but it is unnecessary in most growing zones.
Cutting Back Beardtongue For Winter
Prune Beardtongue in the fall to remove the flower stalk and foliage. All of the growth will die after the first frost. The dead growth can stay in place until spring, but cleaning everything up in the fall will keep the area looking tidy. Removing dead growth also reduces the risk of mold or pests overwintering.
Beardtongue Winter Care in Pots
Potted Beardtongue plants benefit from a protected area out of the elements during the winter. If you live in zones 3 or 4, move the container to an unheated indoor space to protect the roots from freezing temperatures and precipitation. A shed, garage, or basement is generally a good place for a potted Beardtongue to overwinter. In other zones, make sure your potted plant is not exposed to excessive moisture in winter, which can lead to root rot.
Watering Beardtongue in Winter
It is unnecessary to water Beardtongue in winter. Plants in the ground and potted plants do not need water while dormant. The plant can sustain itself without water. If storing your plant indoors, you can moisten the soil once or twice to prevent the roots from completely drying out. Start to water Beardtongue in the spring when new growth appears.
Growing Beardtongue Indoors
Dormancy is necessary for Beardtongue plants to prepare for the next growing season, so they do not make good indoor plants. Container-grown plants can be brought into an indoor space to protect the roots from cold temperatures, but Beardtongue cannot be grown inside year round. Its sunlight requirements are too high for most indoor spaces.
Steps To Care For Beardtongue in Winter
Beardtongue is an herbaceous perennial that is dormant during the winter, so this plant does not require much in terms of winter care.
Step 1 - Remove all above-ground growth after the first frost.
Step 2 - Apply a thick layer of organic mulch to protect the roots from winter weather.
Step 3 - Move potted Beardtongue plants to a protected area out of the elements and cold temperatures.
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Author Alison Cotsonas - Published 05-03-2023 |