Overwinter rose of Sharon - Ask Extension
Hello,
I impulse purchased a large rose of Sharon, white Chiffon, from my local ace. It was appropriately 85% off being end of season with snow comin...
Knowledgebase
Overwinter rose of Sharon #889284
Asked November 03, 2024, 6:33 PM EST
Hello,
I impulse purchased a large rose of Sharon, white Chiffon, from my local ace. It was appropriately 85% off being end of season with snow coming. She has been outside all season so may have already had one soft overnight freeze? She is hardy down to zone 5. I’m 5b (potentially 6 with the new configurations). What’s the best way to try and overwinter her?
I’m thinking repot into something bigger. Water every other week. (Please correct if wrong). Do I want to put her in my basement office area where it’s cooler (low 60s) with a grow light on for 8 hours? Or main floor where it’s a bit warmer (up to 70) with a lot of natural light?
Thanks for considering!
Jen
Zip code 80122
Arapahoe County Colorado
Expert Response
Jen,
Thank your for utilizing the Ask Extension service. You did get a good bargain on this shrub!
Yes, you can overwinter this plant. Is it currently in a 1 gallon pot? If so, it would be good to transplant it into a bigger pot. These end of season plants are usually root bound and it would be good to give the roots more room to spread out. A 5 gallon pot should be sufficient. Use a good potting mix and try to spread out the roots as you fill in with potting mix.
Water thoroughly after transplanting until the water runs out the bottom. Doing this in a utility sink or even the shower will help with the excess water. Check the plant after a few days to see how moist the soil is. A moisture meter can be helpful but you can also just use a finger and push it down into the soil. If the soil is moist 3-6 inches down then do not water the plant. Check again in a few days and only water when the soil feels dry. You do not want to overwater or have the roots sitting in soggy soil.
A cooler area would be best as this will slow down the growth rate a bit. You want to fake some dormancy with this perennial. A good sunny window or grow light will work well.
In the spring, wait until after the last frost to plant outside in the landscape. Harden off the plant by putting it in the sun for a few hours a day gradually increasing the sun exposure until it is in full sun all day. Plant in a full sun area in your landscape.
Good luck with your shrub. If you have any further qestions, you may reply to this email.
Debbie M.
Thank your for utilizing the Ask Extension service. You did get a good bargain on this shrub!
Yes, you can overwinter this plant. Is it currently in a 1 gallon pot? If so, it would be good to transplant it into a bigger pot. These end of season plants are usually root bound and it would be good to give the roots more room to spread out. A 5 gallon pot should be sufficient. Use a good potting mix and try to spread out the roots as you fill in with potting mix.
Water thoroughly after transplanting until the water runs out the bottom. Doing this in a utility sink or even the shower will help with the excess water. Check the plant after a few days to see how moist the soil is. A moisture meter can be helpful but you can also just use a finger and push it down into the soil. If the soil is moist 3-6 inches down then do not water the plant. Check again in a few days and only water when the soil feels dry. You do not want to overwater or have the roots sitting in soggy soil.
A cooler area would be best as this will slow down the growth rate a bit. You want to fake some dormancy with this perennial. A good sunny window or grow light will work well.
In the spring, wait until after the last frost to plant outside in the landscape. Harden off the plant by putting it in the sun for a few hours a day gradually increasing the sun exposure until it is in full sun all day. Plant in a full sun area in your landscape.
Good luck with your shrub. If you have any further qestions, you may reply to this email.
Debbie M.
