Kolkwitzias do not require a lot of care. Nevertheless, the plant has a few claims. Especially when it comes to watering, fertilizing and the location.
The Kolkwitzie is also called mother-of-pearl shrub and is an ornament in every garden from spring to autumn. So that you can enjoy your mother-of-pearl shrub year after year, little care is required, because the ornamental shrub is easy to care for, hardy and hardy. Kolkwitzia is also quite resistant to diseases and pests. But a few care tips can't hurt: A sunny to semi-shady location, nutrient-rich and permeable soil are the basic requirements. Young plants also need regular watering. Later, nature takes over with rainfall. Fertilize lightly during the flowering period and occasionally thin out bushes that are too dense, then the Kolkwitzia remains a beautiful eye-catcher.
By the way: The shrub is not only suitable for outdoors, but also grows very well in a large container. But then you have to overwinter it in a bright room with a maximum temperature of ten degrees. Pruning back in the fall keeps the shrub at bucket size. When the roots start to push up, it's time to repot.
Soil and location for Kolkwitzie
The shrub feels particularly well in nutrient-rich soil. However, he does not make excessive demands. Regular garden soil works well when it's slightly acidic to alkaline. The Kolkwitzia only reacts sensitively to waterlogging and clayey soil.
Sun is good. However, you should not expose young plants to direct sunlight. Shade young plants in midsummer so that the delicate leaves do not get sunburnt. From the second year, the shrubs are robust and tolerate full sun. The Kolkwitzia also grows well in semi-shade, but then it doesn't bloom as profusely.
Water and fertilize Kolkwitzie
Young plants and Kolkwitzias in tubs should be watered regularly but moderately. For somewhat older shrubs in the field, the usual local rain is sufficient. Kolkwitzia survives dry phases in summer well.
For outdoor plants, canThey usually do without fertilizer. Occasional fertilizer applications only make sense if the soil is poor in nutrients. If you work in fresh compost before planting, the Kolkwitzia has good prerequisites for staying he althy and growing steadily. Shrubs in pots or tubs need liquid fertilizer every four weeks, preferably mixed into the irrigation water.
Kolkwitzien do not necessarily have to be cut
The shrub forms a beautiful shape by itself. The overhanging branches are part of the attractive appearance and should only rarely be shortened. Only when you notice that there are fewer and fewer flowers on the branches does it make sense to cut back so that the shoots regain their strength. In general, do not cut the Kolkwitzia in the garden until the age of three or four years. For older plants, in the spring, remove shoots that are growing inward and crossing over. Also cut off any shoots that look very weak and thin. Remove old branches near the ground down to the trunk.
Kolkwitzias in pots can be cut at a young age so that the shape and height match the container. Again, early spring is the best time, but you can still prune in summer or fall. The Kolkwitzia tolerates pruning well.