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overwintering a shrub
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Posted by paula_in_pa z6 SEPA ChesCo (My Page) on Tue, Oct 27, 09 at 20:05
| Hi, I have a small shrub just purchased in a 1 gal. pot, an Ozark witchhazel (Hamamelis vernalis) which is rated to zone 4. I want to keep it on my south facing sunny deck at least through Christmas, to enjoy the blooms. I'm in zone 6 to 6b.
Can I leave it on the deck the rest of the winter, or should I bring it into my unheated attached garage. Will it be ok if it freezes, in the garage, or outside on the deck? Which is better?
Sorry I didn't see a FAQ, and I don't grow much in containers. |
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RE: overwintering a shrub
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- Posted by tapla z5b-6a MI (My Page) on
Tue, Oct 27, 09 at 20:50
| I wouldn't think you'd (ok - your tree would) be in much danger from cold, but the heat has me concerned. I'm afraid that on the south exposure your tree (the soil) will get warm enough to induce growth. If that happens, and the tree starts to put on a flush of foliage, the first freeze will kill it; or, if sap freezes after rising up the trunk, then you'll have freeze damage that could also kill or severely damage the tree. A colder, north exposure would be better or the garage. Make sure it doesn't dry out in either place. Al |
RE: overwintering a shrub
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| I'd be concerned, like Al is, cuz I live in this zone (Middle TN) and it gets both too cold & too hot for that plant. Maybe cool shade in the Summer with a little bit of morning sun and a basement type area in the Winter, to kind of go dormant. Indoor sunlight won't be as healthy for it, IMO. |
RE: overwintering a shrub
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- Posted by tapla z5b-6a MI (My Page) on
Tue, Oct 27, 09 at 23:08
| The plant will not do well over-wintering in conditions that see several consecutive days of temperatures above about 42*, because that will move it to active growth and then you have to nurse a temperate plant through a winter indoors, at which I guarantee it will revolt. You're right about the summer sun, though. Being an understory plant you usually find more often on north slopes, it will likely not appreciate a southern balcony exposure. Al |
RE: overwintering a shrub
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