The strawberry tree provides exotic flair in our gardens and proves to be extremely robust. But in winter the plants need our help. The strawberry trees distributed in Europe are not hardy. Although they do not hurt early frost or late frosts and some types of frosts to - 15 degrees to endure. Nevertheless, you should take no risk, because the bigger the disappointment later, when the strawberry tree enters the first small frost.
What should be observed during hibernation, you will learn now.
The strawberry tree in winter
Many trees appear bare in the cold season, drab and dreary. Not so the strawberry tree. Its true heyday begins in late summer, when other plants have already withered. Then the little bell blossoms appear. The strawberry-like fruits are mature in November and remain an eye-catcher over the winter. The trees are more robust than might be expected, they grow at altitudes of more than 3,000 meters and know quite rough winds and cold. Nevertheless, strawberry trees are not completely hardy for us. In some regions, however, it may be possible to cultivate the strawberry tree outdoors all year round.Overwinter strawberry tree in the garden - important facts
If you want to try to keep the strawberry tree in the garden all year round, you should be aware of several factors. To weigh the pros and cons, you should first ask the following questions.- What location can I offer the plant?
- Where do I live?
- How old is my plant?
The right location
The winter location should be protected in any case. An advantage is, for example, a house wall that heats up during the day and gives off heat at night. This point should be considered when planting the strawberry tree , because the plants do not like to be transplanted at all.A sunny location is optimal for the plants. Although they thrive in the semi-shade, but then bloom less lush. In the shade, the plant retains its growth and is blooming. In winter, shady spots cool down too quickly and the strawberry tree has little chance of surviving the cold season in the open air.
Residential area
Also very important for the positive wintering is the area by living. Although the winters have been rather mild in recent years, there is no guarantee for the coming years. Although it is believed that some varieties tolerate frosts as low as -15 degrees Celsius, temperatures in many regions may well be lower. If you want to be on the safe side, you should make smart about the winter hardiness zone of his place of residence.Hardiness Zone - What is it?
The hardiness zones are determined on the basis of the average coldest annual temperature. This zoning is the same internationally and was issued by the US Department of Agriculture. For Germany, only the zones 6 to 8 are relevant. Zones 1 to 5 and 9 to 12 do not exist in our latitudes.
So look at the planting instructions and compare them with the values on site. Since the individual microclimate also plays a role, in many places it is possible to cultivate the strawberry tree in zone 7a, although zone 6a is actually indicated.
Hardiness zones and their requirements
| Hardiness Zone | Conditions |
| Zone 6 | Protection at Kahlfrost necessary |
| Zone 7 | Winter protection from foliage or brushwood needed |
| Zone 8 | Hibernation as bright and cool as possible in the house |
Climatically favored locations:
- Rhine Valley
- Bodenseeraum
- Moselle
- Saale
Age of the tree
For outdoor wintering, the age of the strawberry tree is also decisive. Young plants are more sensitive than older specimens. Therefore strawberry trees should spend their first years as a container plant and placed only in summer on the balcony or terrace. Container plants overwinter bright and cool in the house, ideally in the conservatory.
From about the age of five, you can venture out in climatically favored regions to move outdoors. The planting should take place only in May, if no more night frosts are to be expected. The plants should be slowly getting used to their new environment. From a winter protection is not foreseeable even with older plants.
- Tip: The leaves and the trunk are particularly susceptible to frost and should be specially protected. Suitable for this are foliage, brushwood and garden fleece.
Safely overwinter strawberry tree
If you want to play it safe, overwinter your strawberry tree in the house. Especially self-grown and younger plants are frosty and would probably be damaged. If you own a winter garden, you have found the ideal opportunity for wintering. But even in the unheated stairwell or a bright basement room, the strawberry tree is in good hands in the cold season.
- Hint: Strawberry trees in winter quarters are not fertilized and just watered enough that the soil does not dry out completely.
What happens in the spring?
As the winter comes to an end, the strawberry tree is slowly getting used to the changed site conditions. From about the end of February, the plants get more water again and on sunny days in March, the tree can spend the afternoon again on the terrace. Then you should start slowly with the annual care measures .
Where to put potted plants?
It is also not recommended in climatically favorable regions to overwinter the strawberry tree in the bucket outdoors. Potted plants are far more exposed to cold and frost than cultivated plants in the field. The space in the bucket is limited. It can quickly happen that the planter completely freezes and the plant dies, because the roots can no longer provide sufficient moisture and nutrients. If the planter is placed on a wooden or styrofoam backing, a quick freeze can be avoided. Foliage, brushwood, garden fleece or special films also protect against cold. Best of all, the strawberry tree is picked up in the conservatory or in the bright, cool stairwell.
- Note: Light autumn frosts or late spring frosts in spring usually do not harm the strawberry trees.
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