I live in Austin, TX and have had a large Boston Fern on our back porch all Summer long. Now that it is getting cooler at night, I am wondering how I should treat it so I can have it next year as well. Will it live in the cold? Should I bring it inside? Put it in the garage or greenhouse? Just leave it where it is?
Help please.
Pam
Boston Fern Question
Plant files says it's ok down to 20F...you might have to bring it in for a bit...not sure of your temps. down there...here's the link...
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/1948/
Personally, I think 20 degrees would be too cold. I live in that zone 9A and I don't remember when it got down near 20 - except several years ago when things froze and died. It's not normal. To be absolutely safe, take it into the green house when the weather threatens to get below freezing... Living in a pot places it at greater risk, also. The roots can freeze.
Another thought - which side of your house is this porch on? Is it protected? Can the pot be moved up against some windows that would give some heat? These microclimates can make a big difference.
I was suspicious about the 20F too, I brought mine in when it got to the mid 30's.....
Sorry......I shouldn't probably be hanging out in the Texas forum...but I lurk here a lot....zone envy maybe........
I would just bring it inside and mist it every so often. They also like to be sprayed inside the shower. Keep in bright light light or late afternoon sun. I used to have one as a house plant many years ago when I lived in Boston. Never occured to me to take it ouside.
You're welcome here any time, threegardeners!! We'll just make you an honorary Texan!! You too, fancyflea!
Thanks. I will be moving to Texas next year. Can't wait!!!!!
I hate to admit it, but I think I'd miss the snow---the minus 30, I wouldn't miss, but the snow, yep-----thanks for the welcome!!!
fancy - Are you serious? Where?
three - I grew up with snow. And the only snow I would miss is the first snow. After that, it's just plain miserable. Of course, that's MHO.... :-)
My Boston Fern is on the south side of the house on a large covered porch. The wind can blow in, but it is up against the window....not that much heat would come through the window because it is very thick.
I am actually hoping to leave it where it is, because the greenhouse has far too many plants lined up for it already. We grow lots of Hibiscus, Bougainvilleas, huge Croton, and of course we have to have fresh tomatoes through the winter. Even the Plumeria tree is going in the garage.....no room at the greenhouse inn.
We'll cover it with a Planket if the temp starts going way down. I'll let all of you know how it does....think warm thought for this winter.
Thanks Everyone,
Pam
That sounds like an ideal situtation for the fern. And even if the window is thick, it is still a warm spot when you compare it to the outside temp on those cold days.
My plumeria goes into the garage too, and it has grown so big that we will need to do some severe pruning before putting it up for the winter this year. Not only can the guys not handle it (we have to enlist friends to help), but it won't fit into the bay anymore.
I so ENVY you your greenhouse!!!
Ceejay, My brother and extended family live in the Houston area so I'll be moving near them. I grew up in the Boston area and I could care less for that weather but I will really miss my cottage garden. The lilacs, peonies, bulbs, lily of the valley, (do those grow in Houston?) poppies, hydragenias, hollyhocks, etc. Lots of the perrenials that I love and grew up with won't grow in Houston. Boo Hoo. But being around my family will be great.
The Woodlands is just north of Houston. We are considered in the "Houston area". Have you pinned down which area of Houston yet?
I grew up in the north too. And I miss the lilacs and peonies. Only memories.... Tulips are annuals here. But then we can grow things that you can't grow in the north. And year round. We have cottage gardens, too. So it all works out in the end. Bloom where you're planted.... :-)
Instead of lily of the valley, we grow Leucojum aestivum (summer snowflake - a misnomer, since it blooms in the late winter and through spring). It is one of my favorites. And it's not invasive. http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/showimage/102286/
Ceejay,I Iove summer snowflake. So glad it will grow there. Yes I will still have a garden, just a different one. My brother lives in Missouri City, so somewhere in that vacinity. I don't want to be more than 20 miles away. Along with Missouri City he also suggested Stafford and Sugar Land(love the name). I like older homes from the 20's, 30's and 40's. but not too many around there. I have to rethink everything. I love Texans though!!
There are some good people from that area (southwest) that I have met on DG. They're a very active group and there are some Master Gardeners mixed in from the Ft Bend Co Master Gardener Assoc too - a really great place to meet and work with others like yourself. You'll be at home in no time at all.
Sugarland used to have a big sugar factory - hence the name. Now it is suburbia, with very nice amenities and homes.
Aahh, that's where it got its name. Thanks for the info ceejay. I am very much looking forward to moving toTexas. Sugar Land also has a large garden club which I will be checking out.