Overwintering guide

How to overwinter chilean sheep-eating plant

Verdict

Outside, protected

When

Mulch and move pots into shelter in late autumn, before the first hard frosts.

Hardiness

Chilean Sheep-eating Plant is hardy to roughly USDA zone 8 — winter lows around -12°C. That means it survives outside in mild areas, but wants shelter in a hard winter.

Winter watering

Water rarely, and only in dry spells — winter wet is a bigger risk than winter cold. Make sure containers drain freely.

The mistake that kills chilean sheep-eating plant in winter

Leaving chilean sheep-eating plant in a pot standing in a saucer of water. Waterlogged compost freezes solid around the roots and kills plants that would have survived the cold perfectly well.

More chilean sheep-eating plant care

Overwintering chilean sheep-eating plant — FAQ

Does chilean sheep-eating plant need to come indoors for winter?

Chilean Sheep-eating Plant is hardy to roughly USDA zone 8 — winter lows around -12°C. That means it survives outside in mild areas, but wants shelter in a hard winter. Chilean Sheep-eating Plant can stay outside over winter in most areas, but appreciates some protection in a cold snap. Mulch generously over the root zone, move containers against a sheltered wall (pots freeze far harder than open ground), and have horticultural fleece ready for the worst nights. The roots are what you are protecting — top growth can be sacrificed and regrown.

When should I move chilean sheep-eating plant for winter?

Mulch and move pots into shelter in late autumn, before the first hard frosts.

How often should I water chilean sheep-eating plant in winter?

Water rarely, and only in dry spells — winter wet is a bigger risk than winter cold. Make sure containers drain freely.

What kills chilean sheep-eating plant over winter?

Leaving chilean sheep-eating plant in a pot standing in a saucer of water. Waterlogged compost freezes solid around the roots and kills plants that would have survived the cold perfectly well.