I'm sure I've asked this question here before, but perhaps not. I have 2 brugs that I rooted and set out in the ground this summer, but they have only attained about 3 feet in height and haven't Y'd yet. How do I overwinter them? I've been told to cut them down to about 6" above ground level and mulch really heavily and take cuttings as a precaution. I have taken some cuttings already and will take more, just to be on the safe side. Does this sound correct to you brug gurus? I have no idea what cultivar they are, so please don't ask! They've never bloomed for me, so I don't even know what color they are. BTW, I'm in zone 7.
HELP!
Overwintering brugs
In zone 7, I'd dig 'em and store them dormant. Plant hardiness is partially dependent upon the size of the rootball, and if they haven't Y'd yet, they may not be mature enough to make it through the winter in the ground.
At 3 feet high, they should be ok for overwintering in a cool dark place in a dormant state, (or even awake under lights if ya want to battle mites all winter, LOL) but leaving them in the ground at such a tender age would be a real gamble, IMO.
Another consideration is that if you roll the dice & leave them in the ground and they don't make it, you're back to square one, and you may have the same predicament next winter! Overwinter them inside in a dormant state, put 'em out in the spring, and they will surely bloom for you next season. (And they will be in better shape to try leaving them in the ground next winter.) I've had my brugs for 5 years now- they're more trouble to move around and store as they get bigger, (I can't leave them out here) but they bloom more & more, and earlier with each season.
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