Overwintering guide
How to overwinter ornamental plum 'nigra'
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills ornamental plum 'nigra' in winter
Cutting ornamental plum 'nigra' 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 ornamental plum 'nigra' care
Overwintering ornamental plum 'nigra' — FAQ
Does ornamental plum 'nigra' need to come indoors for winter?
Ornamental Plum 'Nigra' is hardy to roughly USDA zone 4 — winter lows around -34°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens. Ornamental Plum 'Nigra' 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 ornamental plum 'nigra' for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water ornamental plum 'nigra' in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills ornamental plum 'nigra' over winter?
Cutting ornamental plum 'nigra' 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.