Overwintering guide
How to overwinter carolina mosquito fern
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills carolina mosquito fern in winter
Cutting carolina mosquito fern 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 carolina mosquito fern care
- Overwintering carolina mosquito fern — the species this cultivar belongs to
- Overwintering carolina mosquito fern — our other guide for the same plant
- Full carolina mosquito fern care guide
- Carolina Mosquito Fern temperature range
- How often to water carolina mosquito fern
- How to prune carolina mosquito fern
- Common carolina mosquito fern problems & fixes
- Best plant identifier apps — tested and ranked
Overwintering carolina mosquito fern — FAQ
Does carolina mosquito fern need to come indoors for winter?
Carolina Mosquito Fern is hardy to roughly USDA zone 7 — winter lows around -18°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens. Carolina Mosquito Fern 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 carolina mosquito fern for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water carolina mosquito fern in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills carolina mosquito fern over winter?
Cutting carolina mosquito fern 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.