9cm Nepetas

Crazybeelady · October 2023

I've got three 9cm pots of Nepeta. I know they're a tough plant but are they tough enough when small to be planted outside now or should I hold off and wait for spring?

Plantminded · October 2023

I would keep them somewhere sheltered until spring. They will not enjoy cold wet soil, I made that mistake with other small perennials!

Crazybeelady · October 2023

Thanks @Plantminded will do!

Fairygirl · October 2023

I agree - unless you have plants that size already acclimatised in your garden, the roots are filling those pots well, and you get drier winters, they're better kept somewhere until spring. Plants that don't mind wet cold, and frosts/freezes would manage, but those that prefer drier and freer draining soil, won't cope so well.

I often leave hardy plants that size out, but only against a wall, or in among shrubs, or similar, and if they've been growing in my garden for the previous 6 months or so. That allows them to experience everything the climate throws at them over winter, but with enough exposure.

JennyJ · October 2023

I do the same as @Fairygirl , keep them outside but with a bit of shelter - near a wall or fence, under a tree, beside the shed, that sort of thing. I also have an open-top glass cold frame (lids long since broken) under a tree where I overwinter quite a lot of stuff too. That tends to keep them from being blown over or accidentally kicked over/trodden on. The tree is leafless in the winter so it keeps a bit of rain/snow off but not all of it.

9cm Nepetas

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