Overwintering guide
How to overwinter king richard leek
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills king richard leek in winter
Cutting king richard leek 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 king richard leek care
Overwintering king richard leek — FAQ
Does king richard leek need to come indoors for winter?
King Richard Leek is hardy to roughly USDA zone 3 — winter lows around -40°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens. King Richard Leek 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 king richard leek for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water king richard leek in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills king richard leek over winter?
Cutting king richard leek 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.