Winter care - Monrovia Flower Carpet Coral Topiary in large pot - Knowledgebase Question

Acton, MA
Avatar for taragustafso
Question by taragustafso
October 13, 2006
Hi,
My condo is up for sale,and I have one of your beautiful Flower Carpet Coral Topiaries in a large pot on my deck to make it prettier. I think we will have the first frost soon, and I am wondering if I should take the topiary inside? If I do, will it continue to flower for a few more months? My plan is to plant it next spring, when I purchase a new house.

Also, when inside, should I be giving it plant food or anything besides watering?


Thank you,
Tara


Image
Answer from NGA
October 13, 2006
I wouldn't take the plant indoors. Instead, winter it outside (it is quite hardy). Just to make sure the roots survive, insulate the pot by either wrapping insulation material around and under the pot or by setting the pot in a larger container and stuffing insulating material all around to keep the roots from freezing solid. You'll also want to protect the graft (swollen area) by wrapping insulation around it. The leaves will die and some of the newest stem tips, but the rest of the plant should be just fine. Once the leaves are gone and your plant has experienced some cold weather, move it close to the wall and under an overhang to protect it from harsh winds. Check the soil peridically during the winter months. If it is not frozen, you can water to help keep the roots hydrated.

Best wishes with your topiary - and with your new home!

You must be signed in before you can post questions or answers. Click here to join!

« Return to the Garden Knowledgebase Homepage

Member Login:

( No account? Join now! )

Today's site banner is by Zoia and is called "Snow White, Deep Green"

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.