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Helping tub plants through the winter
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Many tub plants are still in full flower in autumn. But when the summer is really over and the first night frosts are lurking it is time to find a hibernation place for those plants that do not like frost.
What are tub plants?
Not all potted plants are tub plants. Tub plants originate from southern countries and are not hardy. If you want to enjoy them again in spring, you will have to take them indoors for winter. Some potted plants are hardy and can stay outside for winter. When you purchase a plant, do check if the plant is hardy or not.
The ideal winter hideout for evergreen tub plants is a greenhouse. More and more people have one in their garden. In a greenhouse, temperature and humidity are easy to control to ensure you plants will not suffer during the winter months. If you do not own a greenhouse, put your evergreen tub plants in a cool light room. Deciduous plants can stay in a dark place like the shed or an attic.
Evergreens will need all the light they can get in winter.
Evergreens with long shoots like Sphaeralcea munroana, dry out easily in winter. You can prevent this by cutting the shoots back to just above a new strong bud or shoot.
Fast-growing plants, like potted vines, take up a lot of space which is usually sparse in a winter retreat. Cut these plants back before they move in.
If you heat your greenhouse you can save on your energy bill by lining the windows with bubble wrap.
The roots of the plants stay warmer if the pots are dug into the ground.
Helping tub plants pull through
Plumbago will not dry out as quickly if you prune it now. Cut the shoots back to where they branch off, but leave the young, strong shoots. In spring they will sprout again.
To prevent fungal or other diseases clean your pots before you store your plants for winter.
Check for slugs and snails in the drainage holes of the pots. These could munch away at the roots all winter.
Leathery-leafed plants?
Evergreens with leathery leaves can not be pruned now. Place the plants in a light place but out of direct sunlight. Some examples of these are Camelia, Bay leaf (Laurus), Pittosporum tobira, Callistemon, oleander (Nerium pleandr), Citrus and Orange trees, Berberidopsis corrallina and the Ironwood tree (Metrosideros excelsa).
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