I don't know, but I think you'd be pushing your luck to think you could leave the plant on top of the ground in a kettle. It's one thing in the ground which will provide some heat and moderate the temperatures and another to be sitting up on top wtih very little between the roots and the bitter extremes of winter.

Maybe, but I think you're pushing your luck.

Good luck. Hay.

Hmmm, well, it's too late to put it in the ground isn't it? Could I just put the kettle in a well protected spot maybe?
Thanks

I haven't tried ES in a pot over winter but I have had luck with other hydrangea's in pots. Slow to emerge but they were there. I usually put them in the corner of a wooden fence for protection with other potted items. Or under a tree. The pot is slightly tipped so rot isn't a problem. I have heard people bringing their pots in an unheated garage after a hard freeze. Then bring them out in March. I to live in IL near the Lake so we are a bit warmer. If you go the protective route make sure you cover it with light mulch. We use maple leaves that have been shredded. Just remember they are slow to show they are there. It's worth a shot!

Hi all,

I have a couple of ES in ground. Do I need to do anything to protect them from the harsh winter in Kansas?. What is the lowest possible temperature an ES can take when it is planted in ground? Thanks!!!

Gardenlady, I don't see how putting the plant in the ground could be worse than having the plant sitting above the ground. In the ground gives some protection from the extemes of winter that you're not going to be getting above ground. If you want to compromise, why not bury the whole pot?

The people who brought you Endless Summer suggest that you cover the entire plant with some layer of mulch to help it get through the winter. Maybe a foot or more of wood chips. They'd allow the plant to breathe and still provide some protection. The same sort of thing people do with roses to protect the crown.

Good luck. Hay.