marguerites

[Waffler]

Just wondered if anyone could tell me what to do with my marguerite plants over winter, as I'm led to believe they should survive as long as they are kept frost free.
I have 2 standard marguerites and a regular one - all in pots. Last year we had 2 standards and lost them over the harsh winter (not knowing they weren't hardy!) As these cost me £15 each I am loathed for them to go the same way.
I was going to just put them in the greenhouse (unheated) but wasn't sure if I should cut them back in some way first.
Any ideas Oh wise ones!

[valmarg]

The standard plants really must be kept frost-free. An unheated greenhouse would not be a particularly good place to keep them, unless you wrapped them up in fleece, or kept them very well protected from frost. I don't think they would object to a 'haircut'. They don't need much, if any, water in winter. The 'trick' is to keep the plants ticking over so that they start growing from the top, as opposed to the base. A bit similar to standard fuchsias.

You could of course be taking cuttings now. I root them in a multi-purpose compost mixed with more than 50% vermiculite. The standards really do need very careful tlc for winter, but with the cuttings of regular plants you are belt and brace. If you lose the main regular plant, you are sure to have some cuttings root. The more cuttings you take the more 'potential' plants you will have for next year.

Hope this helps,

valmarg

[Waffler]

Thanks for that Valmarg - so what's standard (ha ha) procedure for taking cuttings off these then - every plant seems to vary?

[nick the grief]

Hi Waffler.

Treat them the same as Fuchsia's both treat ment wise & cutting wise & they should be OK - they don't like frost though & the standards will be especially sensetive on the stem. one way rounf that is to buy some of the silver pipe lagging foam it has a split down one side & you just cut it to length & wrapp it around the stem (same with standard Fuchsia's if you've got them).

Also you could stick three canes around the pot & cover it with fleece just to be sure, then you can get away with keeping the greenhouse a little bit cooler & save pennies.

they way to take your cuttings have a look at this thread

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...read.php?t=666

[Waffler]

That's brilliant NTG - thanks for your help. What a fantastic idea to use the lagging!
I'll take a look at the link and get some cuttings on the go.

Ta everyone! I am much more positive for their survival now.