juncus "afro"

[bjames]

I have a juncus "afro", which is winter hardy in my zone (5). This will be the first winter of this plant's life, and I don't want to take a chance with it outside for the winter months. Can I leave it in its pot and bring it into an unheated sunporch for the winter? If so, should I keep it in a dish with water at all times?

[Newt]

My first thought would be to sink the pot into the ground for the winter.* If you put it in an unheated garage it probably won't get any sunlight.
http://lwfperennials.com/product_inf...roducts_id=571

Newt

[bjames]

Newt,
My Juncus would get sun inside, because, as I said, I would place it in an unheated SUNPORCH!... Not a "garage". I can give it a southern exposure, but it will get cold in this porch... probably as cold as 35-40 degrees fahrenheit. How would I handle the watering under these conditions?

[Newt]

My Juncus would get sun inside, because, as I said, I would place it in an unheated SUNPORCH!... Not a "garage".

Now I know I need to get some rest!* :shock:* So sorry about that.*

I think the sunporch would work and yes, you should keep the soil moist, even keeping water in the saucer as long as it doesn't freeze.* What you don't want is for the soil to freeze, thaw and freeze again. That's when you risk killing your plant. * In winter the plants will go dormant in frozen ground.* On the sunporch the sun will heat up the air during the day, possibly bringing on a flush of growth.* Then the temps might drop below freezing during the night and cause frostbite to any new growth. I've seen this happen in unheated greenhouses.* As long as the temps don't go below 28*F and then above 45*F to 55*F, your plants should be ok.* I still think sinking the pot into the ground and applying mulch around the rim would be best.

Newt

[bjames]

Thank you Newt,
I think I will try the indoor method you suggest. I can keep an eye on it and still enjoy it during the winter months.

[Newt]

You are so very welcome!* Glad I was able to help.

Newt