Winter can be tough on our tender perennials, but with a bit of preparation, you can help them survive the winter, and emerge as thriving plants, come the spring. Perennials grown in pots, are more prone to freezing temperatures, their roots are less insulated, as their roots are exposed from all sides. Perennials grown in the ground, get a certain amount of warmth from the soil, so are less susceptible to freezing.
Today's 5 minute Friday we will cover why, you need to protect your tender perennials through the winter, and how to do this.
Identify plants that need protection.
Fuchsias - These beautiful plants, with their pendant flowers, need protection from the winter frosts. Many Fuchsias are grown as annual plants, but they are in fact, tender perennials and with a bit of protection, you can save yourself buying new plants next year.
Salvia & Penstemon - Whilst these plants are hardier than many people think, protecting them is always worth doing. This is particularly the case, for younger plants, which until they are established, can suffer more due to the cold.
Most of your plants you grow outside in pots will need protecting, or younger plants, that maybe vulnerable during their first winter. The temperature and weather conditions in the UK are very localised. Here in Essex, we are very lucky to have some of the warmer and drier conditions in the country. If you are in an area which can get particularly cold conditions, I would always err on the side of caution and follow our tips, for protecting your tender perennials.
What you can use to protect your plants.
A horticultural fleece is ideal if you have some, if not, there are some alternatives that you may find at home.
- In the video I use a fleecy wool material, that came with a delivery of dog food, which works well.
- Your Christmas turkey may come with an insulated material.
- Straw provides good insulation, but it can harbour slugs.
- Hessian sacking is a good breathable material, that provides great protection.
- Bubble wrap will provide good insulation, but can trap moisture, so be aware of ventilation if you choose this option.
When choosing your material, always take into account it’s environment impact. A Horticultural fleece does a very good job, but if you are able to recycle a material you already have, that is even better.
A guide to protecting your plants during the Winter.
Pot Check-up : Lift the plant pots and look underneath, to ensure the drainage holes aren't blocked. This is essential to prevent waterlogging, which can damage roots, as soggy compost can easily freeze, which prevents the plant from getting vital nutrients and water, which can potentially kill your plants. If drainage holes are a little blocked, elevate the pot, so that excess water can drain away easily. You can use pot feet, bricks, or perhaps a saucer placed upside down, anything just to give it that elevation.
Apply Fleece : Wrap your fleece material around the pot, ensuring it covers the sides fully, and snugly, a little like tying a scarf. Do not cover underneath, as we want the drainage holes to remain clear.
Protecting the Crown : The Crown of the plant, is where the stem meets the roots, this is the most vital part of the plant we want to protect, as it is where the new growth emerges. You can cover the top, but don't worry if you lose the top growth, over the winter, for the crown is our main priority, as this is the heart of the plant we are aiming to protect.
Ground Plants : Remember that although our potted plants need more attention at this time, you can use this method to protect any tender plants you have in the ground, by adopting the same technique.
If you do have any questions on protecting your plants in the winter, or any of our other videos/blogs please do get in contact.
