Overwintering Aquatic Plants

[Big Lou]

from Pond Trade Magazine.com

http://www.pondtrademag.com/overwintering-aquatic-plants/

 

[EricV]

Any advice for overwintering hardy plants from a Zone 5 container garden? I was told that taking them out of the water and putting them in mulch for the winter would probably be enough.

 

[sissy]

depends on what kind of plants they are .If they grow in the ground they will root themselves in and won't come out and if they are water plants they will die .I bring some of mine into the basement for winter and put a small aerator in the stock tank and a LED light set up to give them enough light for the winter .

 

[Meyer Jordan]

from Pond Trade Magazine.com

http://www.pondtrademag.com/overwintering-aquatic-plants/

Kelly Billing is one of the foremost aquatic plant experts. Whatever advice she may give, you can 'take to the bank'.

 

[tbendl]

@Meyer Jordan do you recommend anything for those of us in warmer climates? Preparing for winter that is?

 

[Meyer Jordan]

@Meyer Jordan do you recommend anything for those of us in warmer climates? Preparing for winter that is?

Those of us on the Gulf Coast really don't need to do anything unless we have some true tropical plants like Ludwegia sedioides (Mosaic plant) which can be overwintered inside.
Other than that my only recommendation would be switching to an Irish Coffee or Hot Buttered Rum while sitting by the pond in January.

 

[tbendl]

switching to an Irish Coffee or Hot Buttered Rum while sitting by the pond in January.

*sigh* preparing for winter is so tough given that I love them both and now have to make a decision....
Given that I value your opinion Meyer I will do just that! Thanks

 

[teeemkay]

How about corkscrew rush? I added some to the pond this year and LOVE them--they grew like crazy and helped the water quality a lot. Do they need to be trimmed back now/in the spring/sunk to the bottom?

 

[Lisak1]

@tee1172 I've been told corkscrew rush is hardy in our zone but I've never successfully overwintered any, either in the pond or bringing it in the garage. I just treat it as an annual. Since it's a marginal plant I'm not sure if lowering it in the pond would work as most marginals prefer the crown of the plant above water. But it's worth a try!

 

[teeemkay]

Yup. I'll see what happens. If it doesn't grow back, eh, it's just another $10 at the landscaper for another plant. At least I know it's a plant that I had success with this year--it grew surprisingly well for me.

 

[MitchM]

Corkscrew rush overwinters here fine, it freezes solid and I just leave it alone.

 

[addy1]

Same here

Corkscrew rush overwinters here fine, it freezes solid and I just leave it alone.

 

[sissy]

Mine died the first winter Second winter I put it in the basement and it was fine and the next winter I forgot them when hubby was in the hospital and they died and I gave up on them

 

[teeemkay]

Corkscrew rush overwinters here fine, it freezes solid and I just leave it alone.

Do you trim it down before it freezes or just leave it whole all winter?

 

[MitchM]

I just leave it whole all winter.