Overwintering potted marginals in a leaf pile?

[Joshaeus]

'ello all! I am considering having marginal plants in my water garden next year, but I am not sure how I would overwinter them - I will be emptying the container in fall, don't really have space to bring them in, and my parents are not at all keen with me digging a hole for the pots and putting them in that. However, my yard has several significant leaf piles, so I was wondering...could I put the marginals under a leaf pile for the winter? The 'marginal' in question would likely be pickerel rush. Thankx in advance!

 

[Lisak1]

You could certainly try it. They are hardy plants but need protection for the roots.

 

[addy1]

Give it a try, it is a tough plant. Keep the roots moist.

 

[Joshaeus]

Thank you! Is there a chance that could work for any other hardy marginals?

 

[addy1]

No clue never tried it. Mine get to freeze solid right where they are.

The plants never dry out before they freeze up.

 

[Joshaeus]

Keeping the roots wet will be easy if they're frozen

 

[Mmathis]

Also, depending on how many plants you're talking about...... You could take a small kiddie pool (or a concrete mixing container) and drill a few drain holes maybe 1/2" or so up from the bottom -- scrape out a leaf pile, and put the container with all the plants there -- then cover back up with leaves. You probably don't need it to be very deep, but "containing" the plants might make it easier to retrieve them in spring (for those plants that like to sent roots into the soil).

 

[Lisak1]

I have overwintered marginals in the ground by digging a hole and filling the hole with leaves and mulch. They did fine.

I would try to figure out a way to keep the mulch packed around the plants - maybe put them inside a larger pot or even a trash can and pack a second layer of mulch around that. And yes, I think you could be equally successful with any hardy marginal.