As of: January 28, 2024, 3:48 p.m
By: Ines Alms
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Just because it's snowing doesn't mean you have to skip watering your hardy potted plants.
Otherwise some of them will dry out until spring - especially evergreens.
The advantages of evergreen potted plants are obvious: their leaves bring some color to the garden or balcony even in the barren autumn and winter.
And when wrapped in fleece or jute, the perennial winter-hardy plants can survive the frosty temperatures outside.
But you shouldn't forget to care for them because, in contrast to leafless plants, they have a more active metabolism.
Evergreen plants evaporate more water in winter
Evergreen potted plants such as boxwood are more thirsty than leafless plants, even in winter.
© Zoonar/Imago
Green leaves enable evergreen trees to continue photosynthesizing and growing even in winter - although less than in the warm season.
But this means that, in addition to the daily dose of light, they also have to supply themselves with nutrients and water via the roots.
Especially since they evaporate additional water through their leaves, especially on sunny days - this affects coniferous trees such as firs, yews and pines less.
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However, if evergreens such as boxwood, cherry laurel or viburnum are in the pot, they have less soil, space and therefore nutrient replenishment available and are also more exposed to the cold.
Smaller plants, for example hardy herbs such as rosemary and thyme in pots, should not be forgotten on the balcony or terrace - especially if they are covered and do not benefit from snow or rain.
How often and how thoroughly you should water evergreen container plants
Depending on the winter hardiness of the plant, appropriate winter protection and good insulation are essential.
The thawing snow in the bucket or pot is often not enough to supply the plants with the necessary amount of water.
As a result, it often happens that the roots reach into nothingness and die of thirst, which can be seen, for example, in brown leaves.
To avoid drying out, you should wait for a few frost-free days and water the evergreens about once a month over the course of the winter - but then thoroughly.
However, waterlogging must not occur.
Twigs or mulch made from straw or grass clippings on the ground generally keep moisture in the pot better in winter.