How Does海棠 Survive Winter
With the sudden drop in temperature, how to ensure the beloved海棠 safely survives the winter has become the most concerning issue for flower enthusiasts. As a classic garden plant that combines ornamental value with maintenance difficulty, the winter management of海棠 requires a grasp of scientific methods. This article will deeply analyze the entire process of overwintering海棠, from temperature control to daily maintenance, and specifically answer common puzzles about winter defoliation.
Three Core Maintenance Points for海棠 Overwintering
Key Techniques for Temperature Regulation
Most海棠 varieties have a cold tolerance threshold of -5℃, but it is recommended to maintain above 10℃ for potted plants. In the northern regions, double-layer protection can be used: the outer layer wrapped in insulation cotton, and the inner layer with a transparent plastic bag to form a mini greenhouse, which needs to be opened for ventilation for 3 hours daily from 10-14 o'clock. For ground-planted plants, it is necessary to earth up the roots, piling up a 30cm high loose soil pile at the base, and promptly clearing it after the spring.
Special Requirements for Light Management
In winter, it is necessary to ensure 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, with the best locations being a south-facing balcony or near a floor-to-ceiling window. In case of continuous overcast or rainy days, supplemental lighting is needed, with LED plant lights placed 50cm away from the plants, supplementing with 3 hours of blue-purple spectrum light daily. It is important to regularly rotate the pot to ensure even light exposure on all sides.
Scientific Scheme for Water Control
Use the 'Three-Finger Detection Method': Insert the index, middle, and ring fingers into the second joint of the soil, and only water when all three fingers have no dampness. Watering should be done at 10-11 o'clock on sunny days, with the water temperature not more than 3℃ different from the ambient temperature. Phosphorus acid hydrogen potassium (0.2% concentration) can be added once a month to enhance cold resistance.
Deep Analysis of海棠's Winter Defoliation Phenomenon
Defoliation is海棠's self-protection mechanism against low temperatures, but abnormal defoliation should be警惕:
1. Healthy defoliation characteristics: naturally shedding from bottom to top, petioles form abscission layers without tearing
2. Judgment of pathological defoliation: young leaves shed prematurely, leaves with black spots or white powder
3. Special variety differences: Weeping海棠 defoliates later, while贴梗海棠 can semi-evergreen overwinter
In the northern regions, it is recommended to retain 30% of the withered leaves to cover the roots, which can keep warm and slowly release nutrients. In the Yangtze River Valley, special attention should be paid to clearing leaves in time after snow melting to prevent mold growth.
After mastering these maintenance points, it is recommended to slightly adjust the plan according to the local climate: focus on preventing cold winds in North China, controlling humidity and preventing mildew in Jiangnan, and avoiding high temperatures in winter that may promote germination in Lingnan. With scientific maintenance, your海棠 will surely survive the winter safely and bloom even more beautifully next year.