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Overwintering Penstemon /Osteospermum cuttings without a greenhouse

kc.sdickc.sdic Posts: 91
in Plants
How can I overwinter cuttings of penstemon and osteospermum without a grow/greenhouse? 
I only have a small garden but really want to keep the penstemons etc that I currently have as I really like them. 
I assume it would be too hot indoors? 

Also, will the penstemons in pots be OK with a mulch  through the winter, or do I need to wrap the pot or something? 

Posts

  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    edited July 2018
    Have you got a porch? That's  where I put my osteos.
    I left all my penstemons in the ground last year - several varieties and I didn't lose any of them. Although I'm not sure if they're hardy in pots. 
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • ladygardener2ladygardener2 Posts: 371
    I lost the ones I grew in the ground last year but they overwintered fine the year before. I guess what they don't like are prolonged freezing temps or too much rain. You could lift them and overwinter them in a small growhouse or such. Or as B3 says, in a porch or unheated room if you have one.
  • BijdezeeBijdezee Posts: 1,484
    edited July 2018
    My penstemon cuttings went through the winter sitting outside  and those in the ground too. . If you have somewhere unheated like a porch or even next to the window in a shed would work too if you prefer to give them some protection. I suppose it depends on what type of winter we have this year. Osteospurnum are more tender and i think will definitely need some cover. 
  • Valley GardenerValley Gardener Posts: 2,851
    My Penstemons also overwinter in the ground,leaving all the old growth on for frost protection.Narrow leafed more hardy than wider leafed! I'm going to put my fancy striped Gazanias on the guest room window sill,with no heat!
    Have you room for a tiny plastic gh? They actually hold a lot,I hardened all my bedding plants in mine.
    The whole truth is an instrument that can only be played by an expert.
  • kc.sdickc.sdic Posts: 91
    Hi thanks everyone. Sadly I haven't got a porch. So it would seem they would be no good in the house, too hot!  If I get one of those plastic grow houses (not really any room for one) would I then need a fleece cover for it for during frost? 
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