Wallflowers (Goldlack) are classic garden beauties that originally hail from the sunny Mediterranean. Because of those roots, they absolutely crave sunshine. However, it also means they aren’t naturally built for harsh, freezing winters. But don’t worry—with a little bit of TLC and the right protection, you can definitely help them survive the cold outdoors!
Get Busy in the Fall
If you want your wallflowers to make it through the winter, the prep work starts in autumn. The good news? These plants are pretty low-maintenance during the summer, so they owe you one! Before the first frost hits, you’ll want to give your wallflowers a hard prune. Cut them back significantly, leaving just a few inches of growth above the soil line.
Create a Cozy Protective Layer
Once you’ve tossed those clippings onto the compost pile, it’s time to tuck your plants in for the season. You want to create a protective barrier over the roots using materials like:
- Brushwood or evergreen branches
- Dried leaves
- Mature compost
At the very least, spread a thick layer of evergreen branches over the base of the plant. If your garden is in a particularly sunny spot, keep in mind that these areas are often more exposed to wind and harsh weather. In those cases, I definitely recommend adding an extra layer of mulch using leaves or compost for added insulation.
Caring for Potted Wallflowers
If you’ve planted your wallflowers in containers, they’re going to be much more sensitive to the cold than those in the ground. To keep them safe, move your pots into a winter shelter. The ideal spot should be frost-free but still quite cool so the plants can enter their natural dormant phase. One more thing: wallflowers still need their “vitamin D” even in winter, so make sure their indoor home is bright and gets plenty of natural light!
