Hi All! I did a little winter experiment this year. I'm in Central NC, Zone 7b. I have Basjoo that are planted in the ground and do wonderfully. They die back in the winter, and start growing when the Daffs bloom. And grow like gang busters! (Not the experiment!)

I also grow Ice Cream Blue Java. Last year I overwintered in the garage, and it did great. This year, I overwintered one in the garage, one in my little greenhouse, and the rest of the clump in a cage of Willow Oak leaves. I used a Chicken wire cage, 3 ft diameter, 3-4 feet tall filled with leaves. The psuedo stems were cut at about 4 ft.

The one in the garage went dormant. The one in the GH slowly grew. The clump in the ground SURVIVED!! Two little pups were still there, and have started growing. Even one 5in diameter plant has started back immediately. I uncovered them on Saturday, and can already see growth!

I call my experiment a huge success! While we did have a pretty mild winter, I did prove to myself that I don't have to dig up my Ice Creams every year! Had it gotten colder, I could have added bubble wrap and Christmas lights.

I wanted to share my experiment with you! I also overwintered my Mandevilla, Travellers Palms, and Papaya in the greenhouse...but that's another forum! The GH stayed at or above 40degrees with a little 15.00 space heater! Hubby built it with 6mil plastic wrap.

Happy Spring Everyone!