Overwintering Bluebeard is extremely easy. This low-maintenance plant does not require much attention during the growing season and requires even less care during winter. It is a good idea to cover the plant in areas prone to heavy snowfall, but it is not necessary to provide winter protection for Bluebeard shrubs.
Protecting Bluebeard in Winter
Bluebeard can overwinter outdoors without any special care or attention. Gardeners in zones 5 or 6 may want to cover the plant to protect against heavy snowfall. It isn’t necessary to cover the plant, but if it is located near a building or deck where snow will slide off a roof or snow banks may accumulate, covering the plant will protect the canes from a snow load.
Cutting Back Bluebeard For Winter
Remove dead growth and any stray leaves from around the base of the plant in the fall. Removing the debris will help prevent formation of mold or mildew. Some gardeners choose to thin out dead canes and prune the plant in the fall, while others wait until the spring. Either option is acceptable, and it is a matter of preference.
Bluebeard Winter Care in Pots
Move potted Bluebeard plants to a protected area during the winter. Relocating the container to a shed or garage will help protect against freezing temperatures. The container plants can stay outside in the more southern reaches of their growing zones.
Watering Bluebeard in Winter
It is unnecessary to water Bluebeard during the winter. This bush is dormant during the winter and does not actively grow. Natural rainfall will provide enough moisture in most cases to keep the roots alive.
Growing Bluebeard Indoors
Bluebeard is not a good candidate to overwinter indoors because it is dormant during the colder months. The foliage will drop, and this plant will have bare branches. Since it is not growing and visually attractive, it is not the best houseplant.
Steps To Care For Bluebeard in Winter
Bluebeard shrubs require limited care in the fall to help prepare them for the winter. Winter care is minimal since this plant is dormant, but taking the proper steps in the fall and winter will ensure new growth emerges in the spring.
Step 1 - Remove dead canes in the fall
Step 2 - Clear out dropped leaves and debris from the base of the shrub
Step 3 - It is not usually necessary to protect Bluebeard during the winter, but cover the plant in areas prone to high snowfall
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Author Alison Cotsonas - Published 09-01-2022 |