Hardy Hens and Chicks succulents?
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I planted a bunch of Hens and Chicks in my whiskey half barrel outside. Will they be okay this winter? I live in southern Indiana, just two miles from the Ohio river. The plants look really nice in my half barrel, and the deer don't seem interested in them. I'd really like to leave them in there, but don't want them to freeze. Any advice?
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You hardiness zone is 0 to 10 degrees .Hens and Chicks should survive with no problem.
Freeze will kill them, can't repot(s) for inside over winter. I'm a greenhouse/florist. My family raised Hens and chicks for many years here in Alabama, but we are from Chicago area. Alan
If they are in pots the roots will probably be more apt to freeze and not recover as the pot will not protect the plants like being in the soil will. My mom had hens and chicks planted in a garden that overwintered without a problem, but pots are totally exposed to the cold and the soil in the pot will freeze all the way through. I lost some huge hostas that way that were in a huge half barrel. If you can take the pot in the house they would survive vs, freezing. The other alternative would be to dig them up and plant them in smaller pots to bring in for the winter.
Frost will turn your succulents to mush. If you're able to move your barrel to a sheltered spot you could try putting a covered frame around them and adding lights under the covering to keep them warm
I live in southern Ontario, Kay, and my Hens & Chicks are absolutely fine every Winter. They survive all kinds of weather! I leave them, as is, with NO leaf coverage or burlap or anything and they still are thriving - 15 years now. I also planted them at a previous home in mid-northern Ontario (a lot colder!) and they survive up there too.
The only thing that can cause rot is if in the Spring (or really any time, at all) they are sitting for long periods of time in a wet boggy area of the garden. We had lots of them planted around a pond but the pond liner developed a leak thus, one area was wetter than the other areas and the succulents rotted. I broke off the bad parts, replanted in drier soil and they bounced back. They like some sand added to the soil to mimic their origin so add sand to any consistently wet areas. Your plants will be just fine!!
I appreciate everyone's input, but I got a very mixed response. I think I might just build some type of insulating cover for the barrel. Anyone have a good idea for one of those?