Sandwort might be small, but it sure is mighty! This little powerhouse doesn’t just impress with its dense, cushion-like growth and carpet of tiny white flowers—it’s also a total rockstar when it comes to surviving the cold. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant that can handle a chill, you’re going to love these facts about its winter hardiness.
Sandwort Can Brave the Frost
In most parts of the country, we rarely see winters where the mercury stays stuck below -5 °F. That’s great news because -5 °F is right around the limit for what Sandwort can handle. This means you can usually plant it in your garden and pretty much “forget” about it once winter hits. For most of us, time-consuming winter prep is a thing of the past with this plant.
Protecting It During Harsh Winters
While Sandwort is excellent at holding its own against icy weather, it’s not invincible. If you live in a region where a “Polar Vortex” is common and temperatures regularly dip past that -5 °F mark, your plants will need a little help. A cozy layer of brushwood, straw, dry leaves, or garden fleece will do the trick.
You should also keep an eye on the forecast for heavy snow, even if it’s not record-breakingly cold. The real danger comes during the thaw; if the plant sits in too much slush and soggy snow, it can suffer from rot or moisture damage.
Pro Tip:
Since Sandwort is evergreen, light is its lifeblood all year round. Only cover it up when it’s absolutely necessary, and make sure to remove the protection as soon as the extreme weather passes so it can soak up the sun again.
Which Plants Need Extra TLC?
Not every Sandwort is a winter warrior right out of the gate. Some need a bit more protection even in milder freezes. For example, young plants haven’t fully developed their hardiness yet. Potted plants are also much more vulnerable because the frost can attack the root ball from all sides through the container. While a young plant in the ground just needs a little fleece, your potted friends need a bit more “winter gear”:
- Start protecting potted plants once it hits 14 °F.
- Move them to a spot sheltered from the wind.
- Place the pots on an insulating base like Styrofoam or wood.
- Wrap the pot itself in several layers of bubble wrap or heavy burlap.
- Cover the green foliage loosely, but be ready to uncover it on warmer days.
Winter Watering 101
Because Sandwort keeps its green leaves all winter, it’s still “breathing” and needs water. Long periods of “black frost” (freezing temperatures without snow cover) can actually dry the plant out. On days when the ground isn’t frozen, give your plants a drink whenever they look thirsty.
Other than that, you can take it easy! There’s no need for extra maintenance during the winter. If your Sandwort needs a haircut, just wait until either before the first frost or once the spring thaw has finished.