How cold is too cold for a Cupressus Goldcrest?
Hello,
I'd be extremely grateful if someone could help me. We have what we're 99% sure is a Monterey cypress/Cupressus macrocarpa/Goldcrest, and he lives in a pot in our garden. We live in the north of England, and he's been fine so far, but it's starting to get VERY cold here, and we're worried that if the temperature gets much colder, it'll be too cold out there for him.
Should we bring him in if it gets much colder, or just leave him where he is? He's currently in a sheltered position next to our outbuilding, but is that enough? Rather than bringing him in, would we be better off getting him a fleece plant blanket?
Also, I've read that suddenly putting plants outdoors/bringing them indoors can be unpleasant for them, so if we do bring him in, would we need to transition him slowly so as not to shock him?
I'd be extremely grateful for any advice – we're not really garden people (we got this one as a gift), but we love our little tree and want to make sure he's okay.
Thanks for reading! :)
14 Dec, 2015
Answers
Agree with previous answer, should be fine if you insulate the pot, though that isn't necessary unless the temperature drops below 0 deg C day and night for a few days. Much better to leave it outside than bring it in. What you might find is slight browning of the foliage - these particular plants don't like strong, cold winds, so stand it somewhere more sheltered for the winter if that's a problem.
14 Dec, 2015
Thank you very much, Tugbrethil & Bamboo!
15 Dec, 2015
Previous question
« Hello How and when do I take cuttings from Acer to grow on Thanks Glenn
When hardened off, it should be hardy down to -17º C in the ground. In a pot, I would wrap the pot itself--including the soil surface--in bubble wrap, at least.
14 Dec, 2015