Expert: C.L. Fornari - 10/13/2005

Question
I have 2 hakura nashiki standards in whiskey barrels. What should I do to help them survive the winter? They cannot be moved. The exposure is south. I live on cape cod in E. Dennis. You helped me choose these , and I LOVE them... so does everyone who sees them! Thank you!  Lynn

Answer
Lynn,
Small world... I think I sold you those willow standards at Country Garden!  I have one of these plants in a wooden box on my patio.  I had one there for four years and it was fine untill the temps went below zero winter before last - didn't do well then, and was so cold-damaged I replaced it.  The replacement came through last winter with flying colors.  SO, if the winter isn't too cold you could leave them as is...not knowing, if you want to protect them you could put tall stakes around the barrels (outside of the barrels about two to four inches away) and wrap the whole thing - barrel, tree and all - with burlap.  Then fill inside the burlap with salt marsh hay or leaves.  Do not wrap with plastic, and don't put the wrapping on until well into late November.  The plant should be allowed to go fully dormant before wrapping, so earlier isn't better.   Take protection off in mid to late march depending on the weather.

I hope this helps!
C.L. Fornari
www.gardenlady.com