Overwintering guide
How to overwinter woodsia ilvensis
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills woodsia ilvensis in winter
Cutting woodsia ilvensis 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 woodsia ilvensis care
Overwintering woodsia ilvensis — FAQ
Does woodsia ilvensis need to come indoors for winter?
Woodsia ilvensis is hardy to roughly USDA zone 2 — winter lows around -46°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens. Woodsia ilvensis 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 woodsia ilvensis for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water woodsia ilvensis in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills woodsia ilvensis over winter?
Cutting woodsia ilvensis 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.