Overwintering guide
How to overwinter drooping leucothoe
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills drooping leucothoe in winter
Cutting drooping leucothoe 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 drooping leucothoe care
Overwintering drooping leucothoe — FAQ
Does drooping leucothoe need to come indoors for winter?
Drooping Leucothoe is hardy to roughly USDA zone 5 — winter lows around -29°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens. Drooping Leucothoe 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 drooping leucothoe for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water drooping leucothoe in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills drooping leucothoe over winter?
Cutting drooping leucothoe 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.