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old_dirt

New pots last year

last month

Last year I purchased three new frost proof pots. One large I planted Liberty and two medium I planted Autumn Frost. I winterized them the same as all plastic pots I've done for years, just a thick layer of shredded leaves on top. The Liberty had several shoots early but never developed for over three weeks. The Autumn Frost never sprouted and roots were mush. The Autumn Frost were up in the air about three feet so I'm thinking no insulation around the sides did them in.

I am a little perplexed with the Liberty and wonder if there is any chance it will eventually come through. I really don't want to disturb the roots if there is a chance.

Liberty last year

Libeerty this year - no change for about three weeks.

Autumn Frost last year


Comments (7)

  • last month

    I gave up this method, every attempt ended up with a dead hosta. I think the freezing, thawing and moisture in the open make them mush. My only successes are storing the potted hosta in my shed and ignoring them over the winter. I also tried laying pots on their side in a protected area… that didnt work for me either.

    If you come up with a successful idea let us know.

    Sherry


    old_dirt 6a thanked sherrygirl zone5 N il
  • last month
    last modified: last month

    oh no..I think you lost them 😢..I'm giving up growing hostas in pots..like Sherry I overwinter pots in my shed or garage..they're going in the ground soon..it's easier..

    pics yesterday after a second frosty night..if you look close I have frost damage 🙁..but that actually happened weeks ago..I hate cold weather..
    Empress Wu..some leaves are a little cupped..


    Great Expectations..


    Coast to Coast..Yellow Polka Dot Bikini has bite marks..why didn't I move that piece of bark? 🤦‍♀️..

    Wonderland is a messy place!..


    Krossa Regal..


    old_dirt 6a thanked nicholsworth Z6 Indianapolis
  • last month

    We know you can grow in pots left outside because your Komodo Dragon is beyond fabulous! Have you been having a chilly spring like many of us? Pity about AF but Liberty should be fine. It looks like some of the pips (bottom left) could be a tad low in the pot after settling in over winter. I might pull back just a little soil from them.

    old_dirt 6a thanked peren.all Zone 5a Ontario Canada
  • last month

    Well, I dug up my Liberty and a huge mess of healthy roots, some curled around the bottom of the pot are almost two feet long. Many roots are growing up from the crown, I guess indicating planted too deep. The crown is hardly visible through the roots. Last year it grew great and I didn't change anything.

    Should I replant it as is or cut away some of the surface roots?


    Sherry - I Leave all my pots outside and cover them with a thick layer of chopped leaves on top and on all sides. I've been doing that for years and seldom lose any, if I do lose some it is usually very small starts or divisions. I think I lost the Autumn Frost because they were up in the air with no side insulation.


    Liberty roots this year

    Liberty last year


    Thanks all :)

  • last month

    Hmmm, would cut away those surface roots and replant. Good luck!


    debra

    old_dirt 6a thanked djacob Z6a SE WI
  • last month

    Old dirt, I am glad that works for you. It must be the small zone difference that makes the difference??? Gardening is a mystery at times. Its good when we can figure out what works for where we are.

    Make sure you show us a photo of Liberty now that you rescued it.

    Sherry

    old_dirt 6a thanked sherrygirl zone5 N il
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