Overwintering guide
How to overwinter bigcone douglas fir
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills bigcone douglas fir in winter
Cutting bigcone douglas fir hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.
More bigcone douglas fir care
Overwintering bigcone douglas fir — FAQ
Does bigcone douglas fir need to come indoors for winter?
Bigcone Douglas Fir is hardy to roughly USDA zone 7 — winter lows around -18°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens. Bigcone Douglas Fir is properly hardy and overwinters outside without fuss. Tidy away anything dead or diseased, apply a mulch over the crown to steady soil temperatures, and otherwise leave it alone — many hardy plants actually need a cold period to flower and grow well the following year. Save hard pruning for the right season rather than doing it in autumn.
When should I move bigcone douglas fir for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water bigcone douglas fir in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills bigcone douglas fir over winter?
Cutting bigcone douglas fir hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.