Tropicals & Tender Perennials: Cold Hardy Fuchsias, 1 by PedricksCorner

PedricksCorner wrote:
Wood chips are great for keeping in moisture and keeping weeds out, but as protection against freezing, I prefer to use materials which will decompose very fast. As the decomposition process actually gives off heat. So I use all the fallen leaves in my yard, grass clippings, and even buy bales of alfalfa if I need more. I pile these materials up around the base of the plants and pack all the empty space between all of the containers with it after I've moved them all next to each other.
I have even seen burlap bags used around the base of plants and used to cover bushes in areas where it snows allot. I've never needed to do that, but I have a few bushes which are listed as winter hardy by the Northwest Fuchsia Society, but also as ones that might need a bit of extra percaution. One of my most favorite bushes falls into this category. Thomasina. So to me, the extra effort is worth it.