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