Winter treatment for caesalpinia pulcherrima

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basilio Athens, Greece(Zone 9b) Jan 21, 2007

Hi

I have several potted caesalpinias grown from seed last summer, overwintering in my 9b balcony. It has been an extremely mild winter so far and lows haven't dropped below 38F, but still my seedlings have lost most of their leaves, which I consider natural...Now, I've red that they should be trimmed to the ground during winter but I'm not sure if I should treat them this way. Any advice?

Thanks.

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stressbaby Fulton, MO Jan 21, 2007

Basilio, my Caesalpinia pulcherrima is in a 60*F greenhouse, and it has also lost leaves. You might get more advice on trimming by posting your question in the Tropicals forum. Good luck.

SB

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ecrane3 Dublin, CA(Zone 9a) Jan 21, 2007

I agree about posting on Tropicals, lots more people over there who've grown this. Personally I would probably wait until spring to do any sort of pruning--pruning now, especially if you've been having mild weather, could stimulate new growth which will be damaged if you happen to get a cold snap. And since they're seedlings, I'm assuming they are still pretty small so I'm not sure if cutting them back is something that should be done at all while they're this size. I would also probably try to provide them a bit more protection than you are now, especially if you get a cold snap. This is my first year with a greenhouse so mine are doing fine (haven't dropped leaves or anything) but I've had terrible trouble with this plant in previous winters where all I had was a sheltered patio (or one year where I mistakenly had planted one in the ground), they would take forever to come back and never bloomed for me. And these were full grown plants, seedlings are going to be even more susceptible to cold. I would consider bringing them inside for the night if temps are going to get much below 40F.

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