I have a Pussy Willow in a planter how do I overwinter it?
by
LD
+2
It's a sapling from a rooted stem. I've been nurturing it for about 2 years and now I need to know how to overwinter it here in Virginia. I have clay soil and this is why I've preferred to grow it in a planter. So any suggestions would be welcome. Thank you
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How cold does your area getting the winter
It should be fine in Virginia. They are all over the place in colder WA state
In a pot it would be more susceptible to the cold in the roots. If nothing else take the pot in when it is cold and put it back out when it is warmer outside. I live in MN and I remember picking them for my mom every year before they put up houses by the creek that ran behind our neighborhood. They were there every year.
Since the willow is not a grafted specimen, it should be able to winter out-of-doors in Virginia without any issues; however, as Nancy states, potted plants have more of a chance for root freeze; therefore, if you have a garage that is protected from freeze, you can move the pot there, but be sure to water it every 2-3 weeks or earlier if it feels especially dry. I would recommend should there come a day that you want to transplant the sapling into the earth, be sure to place barriers around it because true willows grow indiscriminately and can spread beyond the planned growing areas.