Preparing for Winter's Arrival: Nigel Slater's Plans for His Garden Involve Winter Slumber for Plants
As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, the garden begins its transformation for winter. The author, embracing the wildness of this season, finds beauty in the muted colours and tangled stems that adorn the winter garden.
One plant that requires special care during this period is the Pelargonium, commonly known as the geranium. To keep these plants healthy for the spring, a few key strategies are essential.
Firstly, potted Pelargoniums should be moved indoors to a cool, dark place, ideally where temperatures are between 45-55°F (7-13°C). Basements or garages are suitable locations. This allows the plants to go dormant naturally.
Secondly, the plants should be allowed to stop watering gradually, and their foliage should die back. This dormancy stage is crucial as the succulent stems store enough moisture and nutrients to survive winter drought periods. The foliage can be cleaned up either before storage or once spring arrives.
Thirdly, it's important to check the plants periodically during winter and water just enough (2-3 times) to keep their thick stems firm and prevent shrivelling.
For certain varieties like Regal Pelargoniums, pruning back to about 10 cm and keeping them overwintering indoors around 12°C in a light spot is recommended. Regular watering and deadheading wilted flowers before dormancy improves flowering after winter.
Deadheading spent flowers before overwintering helps redirect the plant’s energy away from seed production and supports healthier blooming when growth resumes in spring.
The strategy is to replicate a cool, dry winter environment indoors, avoid overwatering, and prune appropriately to keep Pelargoniums viable for the next growing season. Bringing them outdoors again when the danger of frost passes encourages strong spring growth and flowering.
Other plants in the garden require less attention during winter. Few plants need more than an occasional trickle of water, and wet leaves should be brushed from hedges and topiary. In case of frost, the author can temporarily bring these plants into the dry cellar for protection.
The author prefers to slide Pelargoniums under the garden table for protection, having found wrapping them in newspaper for winter storage unsuccessful. Pelargoniums like 'Attar of Roses', 'Prince of Orange', and 'Lord Bute' will receive late autumn pruning and possibly indoor shelter. 'Lord Bute' may be left outside for the winter near a warm Aga outlet.
The garden is preparing for winter, with leaves ready for compost and plants like pelargoniums and tulip bulbs waiting to be planted. The author resists the temptation to plan for next year until the space is as bare as possible, allowing for clearer thinking.
The fig tree branches are awaiting pruning by a tree surgeon, while the bulbs-in-bags have been brought out from storage, including Muscari 'Jenny Robinson' and Crocus. Rose hips are left in place to glow until the bushes get their new year pruning.
These strategies for over-wintering Pelargoniums have been widely recommended by garden experts for preserving these plants through winter and ensuring a vibrant garden in the warmer months.
[1] RHS (Royal Horticultural Society). (2021). Overwintering Pelargoniums. [online] Available at: https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=520
[2] Horticulture Week. (2021). Overwintering Pelargoniums. [online] Available at: https://www.hortweek.com/technical/technical-advice/overwintering-pelargoniums/14-01-2014/
[3] GardenMyths. (2021). Overwintering Pelargoniums. [online] Available at: https://www.gardenmyths.com/overwintering-pelargoniums/
[4] BBC Gardeners' World Magazine. (2021). Overwintering Pelargoniums. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/gardenersworld/howto/grow-pelargoniums/overwintering-pelargoniums
- Moving indoors for the winter is vital for Pelargoniums, as they need a cool, dark place, such as a basement or garage, where temperatures range from 45-55°F (7-13°C).
- To keep these plants healthy for the spring, it's recommended to gradually stop watering them and allow their foliage to die back, which allows the succulent stems to store enough moisture and nutrients to survive winter drought periods.
- During winter, it's essential to check Pelargoniums periodically and water just enough (2-3 times) to keep their thick stems firm and prevent shrivelling, while other plants in the garden require less attention, and few plants need more than an occasional trickle of water.
