Not signed in (Sign In) or Register

To start a new discussion or to post comments, you must first Register with our forum.

Vanilla 1.1.10 is a product of Lussumo. More Information: Documentation, Community Support.

Cold Weather Care: Helen Johnson in cold weather....

Bottom of Page

1 to 2 of 2

  1.  
    • CommentAuthorrleebue
    • CommentTimeJan 11th 2010
     
    I live on the intracoastal, just north of Charlotte Harbor. I've planted around 50 Helen Johnson bougies -- 20 along the seawall {which gets ferocious NW winds in the winter} and the rest about 50 feet or so from the seawall. I planted these in the Sept/Oct time period. We just had the big. bad cold weather through here with several nights in the 30 deg range for 4 or hours, and one night somewhat below that.

    To prepare for the coldest night, I covered the plants not directly on the seawall with sheets - whatever I could find that would work. Those on the seawall were left with no covering or any other protection.

    This morning {after the coldest night/morning} I noticed that, aside from wind burn, the seawall plants showed little sign of frost/freeze damage except for new, immature growth {they seem to continue growing no matter what season it is}. The plants that I covered also showed virtually no damage -- even though they were away from the water and certainly exposed to 29 deg for at least 2 hours.

    We are expecting another cold evening. Here are my questions:

    1. How hardy are Helen Johnson to cold weather? Do I actually need to cover them? If so, at what expected minimum temp should I do so?
    2. Is there any risk leaving them under "wraps" for several days during the cooler weather? {If not, then I won't have to reapply the coverings over and over which is a serious pain in the neck.} How long might be ok?
    3. Is there a difference in treatment between established/newly planted plants? If so, when does newly planted become "established"?

    I am quite surprised that I didn't sustain more damage after the horrendous winds and low temps from the past day or so -- but maybe the damage will show later on. Or maybe, as I think, there really wasn't any...... which speaks volumes about the hardiness of this variety.

    Thanks for the answers; hopefully, I'll see your response before the day is out and I can prepare for tonight!! ............. Lee
    •  
      CommentAuthorKellieBGI
    • CommentTimeJan 13th 2010
     
    Hi Lee,

    I'm very surprised that your Helen Johnson Bougainvillea did so well - considering, but then again, it takes a couple days for the real damage to appear. I'm sure that covering them with sheets definitely helped. Helen Johnson, like all bougainvillea, are not hardy plants. There are some varieties that can tolerate the winds better (like New River), but when it comes to hardiness, they're all pretty much the same.

    In response to your questions:

    1. Yes, it is highly recommended to cover your bougainvillea when temperatures reach freezing or even close to freezing.

    2. If you're using an opaque sheet, you can leave them covered for a day or two, but if you have bright, sunny afternoons, it would benefit them to get a few hours of UV during the warmest part of the day. Then cover back up before evening. If you're using a clear, plastic sheet, you can leave them covered for longer periods, but don't forget to water them. Make sure to water them when you uncover. The cold ground gets dry easily and can damage the roots.

    3. There is not really a difference in treatment between established and newly planted bougainvillea. Although, the newly planted bougainvillea may not survive more than a couple days of frost, whereas an established boug could. A newly planted bougainvillea becomes somewhat established after a couple weeks of proper watering and root establishment. For a bougainvillea to be well established, it really should be planted for several months or longer.

    Thanks for your questions. Good luck - and stay warm!

1 to 2 of 2

  1.