Zantedeschia in ponds

We have enjoyed Zantedeschias in our pond this summer and autumn. Can we leave them in the tubs to overwinter in the pond or do we need to do something else with them? I have heard that they can withstand up to -23 degrees frost but I am not sure if this is the case if the pond freezes over.

Any advice would be grateful.

Thanks

 

I have some Zantedeschias "puppies" outside, but it doesn't look like they are enjoying it...

 

Rydall, I would lift them for the winter. I assume they are in tubs and should be OK but if you got those mesh type tubs I always pop mine into proper pots cos they still want to be fairly moist. I love callas of all kinds and have found them to be fairly hardy, but wouldn't like to risk them at -23 centigrade. Maybe +23 fahrenheit, which is only about -2 centigrade. If it's forecast very cold for a long period, I fleece mine. And you can't do that in a pond.

Mira. I think puppies would be happier under glass until they are bigger.

 

Thanks guys.

I will lift them Sarraceniac. They are in solid plastic containers so can keep them moist throughout the winter in a frost free place.

Good luck with your puppies Mira.

Thanks for the advice.

 

Hi Rydall........did they flower OK in the pond?
They are certainly pretty hardy outside.......But I just might try them next year in the pond.

 

Roders, don't know if Rydall's flowered but mine love it (but only in summer, me from May Suffolk probably late April) and flower like crazy.

 

Cheers John, thats all the encouragement I need.

 

Sorry, but I used to grow the white, zantedeschia aethiopica, in my pond a while ago.
I found it completely hardy as long as it was below frost level.
In other words if the roots dont freeze it will be OK.
The coloured kinds, are I believe, a different proposition and need to be much dryer during the dormant season.

 

You mean you like them at -23C Pete? Blimey all my neighbours who left them in ponds in frozen Yorkshire (although as you know we aren't too bad round here) and lost them are doing something else wrong? I'll play safe and lift mine in October. 'All' by the way = 3 + me and we all lift them for winter. Mebbe we're just superstitious (or just believe what it says on the label.)

Agree on coloured ones by the way. :D

 

Zantedeschias are ideal as marginal pond plants, they thrive in these coditions especially if grown in full sun.

But take it from someone who knows, you run the risk of loosing them if you leave them in your pond through winter.

They need to be over-wintered in a frost free environment, keeping them just moist.

To your growing success.
Charles Ashworth

 

Thanks for your comments everyone. I will take them in this year but maybe leave a couple out to see tye difference and post the results next year.

 

Thanks Charles. That is what it says on the label. I have a great respect for Pete. He's a skilled gardener and I normally kow tow 3 times and accept his word. But he's supposed to be the cautious one and it's me that does lunatic things like leaving baby cycads outside all winter. (I lose 80% of them). But on this I think he is being foolhardy.

 

Cant see where your coming from, as long as the crown is below frost level they will be OK, I have found.
If in doubt, drop them to the bottom for the winter, and raise back up in March.

Not sure where IOS is Charles, but is it really cold there in winter?

 

Isle of Skye perhaps?

 

Could be John.
Also Charles, Where have you been for the last two years? :D

[ 10. November 2007, 09:35 PM: Message edited by: pete ]