This is my first winter with a backyard pond in Minnesota. I have hearty lilies, Iris and cardinal plants. All in fabric pots packed in the clay. Plants did great through the summer and I’d rather not start over. I’ve read everything from keeping them where they are and trimming them back to submerging them to deeper part of pond. Looking for suggestions. Thx!
What to do with plants in Minnesota over winter
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depending on how cold it gets there; hardy lilies put below the ICE line, cardinal flower you can cut down and leave where they are, iris get the same cut down and leave treatment.
I agree with @brokensword except I rarely cut back my pond plants before winter. If they are stiff enough to not droop into the pond, I leave them until spring. Either way is fine though - your preference.
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The main reason I cut them back in the fall is that they're basically dry and not rotting, as they tend to be come spring, but you're right, Lisa; as long as they don't droop the pond will be fine.
The main reason I don't is because I've completely run out of steam by fall... haha! That's partially true - but I do like the structure they provide all winter. Something other than just flat and white... sigh...
j.w
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Welcome to our forum!
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Hello and welcome!
Tell us about your pond, and we love to see pictures! Do you have any fish?
Tell us about your pond, and we love to see pictures! Do you have any fish?
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Which area of Minnesota? I was born north of Duluth, and lord how I miss all the pine forest! The creeks out there had the best mats of spagnum moss, and the leopard frogs loved it. Blueberry bushes had a flavor that’s impossible to find in stores.... I miss that area!
shubunkins and comets