Hardy Tropicals UK

I have a small potted melianthus major, this winter I'll move it to the shelter of my house and cover with fleece, not a problem. Next Spring I hope to plant in permanent position, the following winter it should be a lot larger.what I want to know is how you would protect it over the cold months when planted out? I have an idea but would like to know yours.

It has put on a few more leaves since photo was taken.

I did a video on this. Basically mulch with straw and soil.

You haven't told us what sort of temperatures you get were you are in Kent.

Yorkshire Kris wrote:I did a video on this. Basically mulch with straw and soil.

I missed that one....Thanks

jungle jas wrote:You haven't told us what sort of temperatures you get were you are in Kent.

My back garden, facing south east (approx.) hasn't really dropped below -7 in the 25ish years I've lived here....As I can remember!

They are leaf hardy down to about minus 2 and about old wood hardy to about minus 5. Mulching protects for temps lower than this.

Yorkshire Kris wrote:They are leaf hardy down to about minus 2 and about old wood hardy to about minus 5. Mulching protects for temps lower than this.

Thanks Kris for the vid + all the info

I have never given mine any protection and it always comes back well from below ground. Worst winter mins have been about -10 to -12C but it did have a couple of mild winters when first planted, so had a good chance to settle in. I would say in your location you don't need to be over cautious with it but would be a good idea to give some protection in the first winter while establishing.

I would be more concerned about ensuring the roots don't freeze in the pot this winter.

simon wrote:I have never given mine any protection and it always comes back well from below ground. Worst winter mins have been about -10 to -12C but it did have a couple of mild winters when first planted, so had a good chance to settle in. I would say in your location you don't need to be over cautious with it but would be a good idea to give some protection in the first winter while establishing.

I would be more concerned about ensuring the roots don't freeze in the pot this winter.

Thanks

Same as Simon, never protected one.
They need cutting right back each year or they get really leggy so not worth protecting anything above ground.
Mulch if worried but I done bother here.