Can conk shell stay outside in cold weather?

Shannon
by Shannon
The shell came from Cuba and my mum gave it to me. I want to put it in the garden and leave it there year round. It snows a lot and it really freezes where I am. Will the shell get damaged? I googled this and did not get an answer. Perhaps one of you has shells outside in bad winter weather and can share with me. Thank you.
  11 answers
  • Janis K Harrison Janis K Harrison on Mar 10, 2018

    It won't last long. You could use it as part of a planter box on your patio, store it in garage/basement during the winter, replant with fresh annuals, and put it on display again.

  • Beautiful shell! Would cost a pretty penny if purchased in a shell shop. The constant freeze and thaw will weaken the fragile parts of the shell over time. I would take in over the winter months and put out in spring.


    The basis for my suggestion is from experience at my girlfriends family weekend home in Big Bear, CA. They have a mountain / beach theme going on and many of the (decent sized) shells cracked and broke down over the years. Being in CA easy for them to replace. So take that into consideration when making your decision.

  • Shannon Shannon on Mar 10, 2018

    Thank you Janis.

  • 27524803 27524803 on Mar 10, 2018

    I have several largish ones... that I keep inside... They will fade over time if exposed to sunlight... and since the shells are mostly a calcium type of material... they will degrade if exposed to extreme weather.

  • Osielsolange Osielsolange on Mar 10, 2018

    Hello, I don"t have a yard but I would assume that the changes in the weather would affect the shell over time. Perhaps even discolor it. It would also collect insects.

  • Wanda Wanda on Mar 10, 2018

    It's too pretty for outside. I suggest some pretty poporri and leave it inside.

  • Patricia Bell Patricia Bell on Mar 10, 2018

    I don’t know what the cold will do to it but I can tell you that direct sunlight will cause it to bleach and loose it’s bright colors.

  • Judi Judi on Mar 10, 2018

    best place for your conch shell is on the edge of tub, if possible. filled with pretty soaps or some small shells and bits of choral

  • Geew Geew on Mar 10, 2018

    'Living in FL on the water, I collect a lot of shells when we anchor at little islands to collect shells. I bring them home and soak them in a bleach/water mixture for a day, rinse & let dry for 2 days, then paint them with Martha Stewart acrylic pearl paints Ergo Gold Stars, Red & White Candy Cane Stripes, Polka Dots, etc., seal them once they are dry, drill a very small hole in the top to add a wire stringer and hook to and hang them on our Xmas tree.

    You could do something like that with a bigger shell and display it on a table or shelf (Holiday Theme) or paint it for an every day display.

    Or just display it like it is.

  • Pam1418628 Pam1418628 on Mar 11, 2018

    I live in VA and I leave a real pretty shell like that in my back yard all year long. ..in the sun, rain and snow/ice...

    I had Hens and Chickens (a succulent plant) growing in it...didn't seem to hurt it at all, but if it is precious to you, it needs to be in a safe place and where you can see it every day to remind you of your loved one...I have one in my master bathroom that I hold dear to my 💙