Re: weather/tropicals

Noreen, 
When you refer to plants you take in, are these already in pots or are
they in the ground and you've previously dug up & potted to take in?


If you're concerned about cold and they are in pots, you could wrap the
pots with a bit of insulation. If in the ground, you could add a winter
mulch.


I bet you're right about not wanting to be soggy. But would plastic heat
up too much under summer sunshine, not allow air circulation? Perhaps a
few perforations wouldn't hurt. I know nothing about Plumerias, just
guessing. Here, when I want to avoid sogginess, I use a rose cone which
insulates but does allow for air circulation. Burlap works too, or
netting that encloses leaves stuffed around the plant.


I'm not suggesting that zone 5 tactics would necessarily work in Zone 9,
but possibly some of the reasons behind these tactics would have
something in common with your situation. I agree, there comes a time
when hauling things in and out just gets to be too much.


Kitty
> I'm doing a bit of experimenting....every year certain plants that I used to 
> take in get too large to do that, so they are left outside.  Used to take in 
> the Hibiscus, bougainvillas, etc.  They have been outside for years now, had 
> one boug. die back to the roots one year, but it stood in water, which didn't 
> help, thank goodness it came back.  
> 
> This year it's the Plumerias.  It is said that they do not take temps below 
> 40.  And since they go dormant and do not have to be watered all winter, they 
> are usually the first to come into the garage until spring.  This year however, 
> they are too large, and not enough room in the garage for them....so....we'll 
> see.  I do have plastic over them so they don't get the rain.  I think being 
> soggy and cold is the worst for any tropicals (aka zone 9-12 plants).  
> We'll see.  Do hope they make, it.  So far they are okay.  Did bring in the 
> two species of evergreen Plumerias though.....although they need care during 
> the winter, unlike the deciduous varieties.
> 
> Noreen
> zone 9
> Texas Gulf Coast
> 
> In a message dated 1/7/2004 8:30:39 PM Central Standard Time, 
> gardenchat-owner@hort.net writes:
> Interesting Noreen.... thanks!
> 
> I was thinking about my annuals and the first frost, where I am covering
> everything so I can enjoy it for a few more weeks.
> 
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