With its extravagant look, the zigzag shrub is a real eye-catcher in the house and garden. The popular potted plant is particularly popular for its winding branches and blue-silver leaves. In the article we will tell you what you should pay attention to when caring for the zigzag shrub in autumn and winter.
Zigzag shrub care in the cold season
Corokia cotoneaster, or the zigzag shrub, is an ornamental evergreen shrub. Originally native to Australia, it has appeared more and more frequently in the range of European garden centers in recent years. It is popular for its typical zigzag-shaped branches and gray-green leaves. In its home country it grows in dry areas and has adapted perfectly to the climate.
In this country he willbred as a container plantand can be staged both as a soloist and in combination with other plants in a pot. However, proper care is crucial so that the plant feels comfortable and produces its small flowers in early summer.
Corokia in autumn: Is the zigzag shrub hardy?
The zigzag shrub is not hardy and cannot spend the cold season outside. However, it can remain outdoors throughout the summer and fall before permanent frost sets in. Around the end of October, when temperatures often drop below 0 degrees Celsius, you can repot the tree and bring it into its winter quarters.
Zigzag shrub care in autumn: Which are the right planting partners?
It looks particularly beautiful in combination with autumn flowers such as asters and chrysanthemums, and other foliage plants. Grasses, which turn bright colors in autumn, are also popular planting partners.
What requirements does the potted plant have at its location?
In summer, the zigzag bush thrives best in partial shade. In autumn, however, it does not have any special conditions at the location and can also stand in full sun. It is important that it is protected from strong wind and rain. He feels best on the covered terrace, in front of the house wall.
How often should you water and fertilize the shrub?
The shrub can tolerate both moderately moist and dry soil well. It cannot thrive in waterlogged conditions: the roots rot and the plant dies. That's why it's advisable to let the soil dry out a little before watering it again. In late autumn, when it moves into winter quarters, you can also reduce the watering. Only water the potted plant with decalcified water.
During the growth phase in spring you can fertilize the tree once a month. It is best to provide it with slow-release fertilizer to promote growth and theto promote flower formation. Then stop fertilizing during the flowering period, otherwise the plant will lose all of its flowers.
How big will the tree grow? Can it be shortened?
In Australia the tree is very slow growing and it can take a very long time until it reaches its maximum height of 2 meters. If the tree becomes too tall, you can gradually shorten its shoots.
When should you cut the ornamental shrub?
The ornamental shrub can tolerate even severe pruning. However, this should be done after the end of the flowering period, in late summer and early autumn. The bush is shaped into the desired shape. In September you can also carry out a pruning and remove any diseased or dead parts of the plant.
By the way, you can also grow the shrub as a “bonsai tree” as long as you shape it into the desired shape
Should you repot the tree in autumn?
The ornamental shrub is only repotted as a young plant annually for the first 2 - 3 years. This is best done in early fall. The soil is also replaced. Older plants need to be repotted every 2 – 3 years. As already mentioned, the shrub grows slowly.
Be very careful when transplanting, because the zigzag bush has very sensitive roots. If you damage these, the plant cannot absorb enough nutrients through the water. Even more so: damaged roots are entry points for diseases and pests.
Which soil should I use for the ornamental shrub?
The ornamental shrub prefers soil with a high sand content and good permeability. When it comes to the pH value of the soil, the ornamental shrub has no special requirements. What is particularly important is that the substrate is permeable and nutrient-rich.
Zigzag shrub care: when to overwinter?
When temperatures fall below 2 degrees Celsius, you should bring the ornamental shrub into winter quarters. Ideally, temperatures there should vary between 2 and 15 degrees Celsius. If they fall below 7 degrees Celsius, place a layer of mulch on the root area and place the pot on a Styrofoam plate. Wrap the pot in fleece to protect the roots from the cold. The shrub should spend the winter in a bright placeSpace in the winter gardenor spend in an unheated room.
Before you bring the shrub indoors, check it for diseases and pests. During the rest period in winter it needs water less often and no fertilizer. Only in spring can you water it regularly again and provide it with slow-release fertilizer.
