Thinking of winter - already

10 years ago

This was my first year growing brugs. I started with cuttings that I acquired late last year and this past spring. I overwintered some in the cool dark basement. I lost a lot of them, but for the ones that survived, I couldn't be happier. I have good growth and, while I've only experience two blooms, bunches are coming! All are grown in pots.

I have done research on overwintering and thought I'd remove most of the foliage and move them to the basement fully intact. I was thinking that if I didn't cut them back, I could start next year with the Ys ready to bloom. Plus, I can retain a "clean" standard form. Now I'm wondering if I should cut them back. The top growth, the Y area, will be green. Am I likely to have it die back anyway?

A benefit to cutting them back would be that I would have material for trades, although it's not really important to me. I don't have much more room. So, the question is should I cut them back or leave them? I'd appreciate your experienced advice.

Thanks,
Gail

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Comments (4)

plantlover49
10 years ago
Gail
I cut mine back to the Y, you're right about having extra's by doing this, also in your basement you could add some grow light's, that's what I did.
I have lots of Brugmansia's, also houseplants that make it through the winter. I am not so sure it's expert advice. just what I do, I am also in zone 6
Elizabeth
monet_g
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks, Elizabeth. Just to make sure I understand - the Y area will still be green and you think it won't die back (first year plants - small(er/ish))?
Gail
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plantlover49
10 years ago
Gail
there is always die back, even when I cut my hardwood Brugs, some of mine I have had for a long time. i still have to cut them way back in order to store them, are you worried about trying to root the green cuttings? some people do really well with those
cuttings, I have never had any luck rooting them. How many Brugs do you have?

Elizabeth
monet_g
Original Author
10 years ago
Hi Elizabeth,
My main concern is keeping the growth above the Y through winter dormancy. My initial thought/question was based on wondering if I'm asking too much from young plants. Right now they're averaging only 3 or 4 feet tall (with about 5 more growing weeks). It shouldn't be too difficult to bring them in. But... if I'm going to lose the growth anyway and a cutting of them would take, I may change my plan.

The ones I lost last winter/spring were mostly green cuttings. I don't think I'll try that, since, at this point, I don't have the extra material. I have thirteen plants. (Including your CG ;-), but didn't want to contact you until I got him though the winter and had a hard wood cutting for you.)

Thanks for responding. It really helps to hear from someone in the same/similar zone.

Gail

This post was edited by monet_g on Tue, Aug 27, 13 at 16:09