Growli

Overwintering guide

How to overwinter cole's prostrate hemlock

Verdict
Stays outside
When
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
Hardiness
Cole's Prostrate Hemlock is hardy to roughly USDA zone 3 — winter lows around -40°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens.

Winter watering

No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.

The mistake that kills cole's prostrate hemlock in winter

Cutting cole's prostrate hemlock 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 cole's prostrate hemlock care

Overwintering cole's prostrate hemlock — FAQ

Does cole's prostrate hemlock need to come indoors for winter?

Cole's Prostrate Hemlock is hardy to roughly USDA zone 3 — winter lows around -40°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens. Cole's Prostrate Hemlock 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 cole's prostrate hemlock for winter?

Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.

How often should I water cole's prostrate hemlock in winter?

No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.

What kills cole's prostrate hemlock over winter?

Cutting cole's prostrate hemlock 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.