winter storage

I have 2 red cordilines which are in pots what is the best way to protect them through the winter bearing in mind they will have to stay outdoors . thanks

 

reds are not as hardy as green cordylines so you will be taking a risk

the leaves should be tied up in a bunch to protect the growing crown and also wrap fleece or hessian sack around the pot, and the stem too if its a really cold area

If you can't get them indoors or into a cold greenhouse/conservatory then I would try and get them into a sheltered spot up against the wall of a house or the side of a tall hedge


http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basics/weather_coldweather.shtml

 

I've, many years ago tried the tying up method for getting cordylines through the winter. I know as Steve says its supposed to protect the growing point, but when I tried it the growing point just rotted, it might work if you only tie it up for a short space of time but I wouldn't leave it for too long tied up.

 

I have little knowlege on these plants but I read on google that cordylines need good drainage and root rot can be a problem. I have 2 hence the interest. I'm thinking about a temporary winter shelter to be dismantled in summer. Probably plastic sheets on a timber frame.

http://www.rhs.org.uk/Learning/publications/pubs/garden0704/cordylines.asp

 

I've not come across root rot problems hans, but then I only have the green australis, dont have any of the coloured leaved varieties.
My three are all in excess of 15ft tall and branched, so they have been there a while.