Accidentally ordered a plant for my zone 5 flowerbed that says it's for zone 6. Is there any way I can protect it enough during winter months to survive or am I just out of luck?
Bought wrong plant for my zone
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Oliver Buckle
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It depends what sort of plant it is a bit, most flowerbed plants die down over winter, I put a good thick mulch on my dahlias to protect the corm from frost. Otherwise you might get away with a good covering of hay to protect it, but make sure the hay was not treated with weed killer when it was grown, some of the selective grass treatments last a long time.
I don't know how it is in your area, but we also seem to be getting warmer winters, so you might be in luck. Worth a try if you have the space and like the plant.
PS my missus loves tender salvias, so grows them in pots to stand in the greenhouse over winter and place out in the garden behind something tall enough to hide the pot in Summer.
I don't know how it is in your area, but we also seem to be getting warmer winters, so you might be in luck. Worth a try if you have the space and like the plant.
PS my missus loves tender salvias, so grows them in pots to stand in the greenhouse over winter and place out in the garden behind something tall enough to hide the pot in Summer.
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Depends on the plant! You could try planting it with a landscaping fabric around the base and covering that in mulch, which will help to keep the roots warm! Then possibly a covering of some kind like a frost cloth for the really bitter cold days. Just make sure to take the cloth off when the temperature is high enough to not burn the plant.
The lowest temperature is about 15 degrees lower in zone 5 than in zone 6. Good luck!
The lowest temperature is about 15 degrees lower in zone 5 than in zone 6. Good luck!
If you've accidentally purchased a plant that is not suitable for your climate zone, there are a few options you can consider:
1. **Return or Exchange**: Check the return policy of the store where you purchased the plant. Many nurseries and garden centers have return or exchange policies that allow customers to return plants within a certain timeframe if they are not satisfied with their purchase. Be sure to keep your receipt and any original packaging.
2. **Rehome**: If returning the plant is not an option, consider giving it to a friend or neighbor who lives in a more suitable climate zone. They may be able to provide the plant with the conditions it needs to thrive.
3. **Experiment**: Depending on the specific plant and your local microclimate, you may be able to experiment with different growing techniques or protective measures to help the plant survive in your zone. This could include providing extra insulation during cold snaps, planting in a sheltered location, or using containers that can be moved indoors during extreme weather.
4. **Research**: Conduct thorough research on the plant's specific requirements and determine if there are any strategies you can implement to help it adapt to your climate. Some plants are more resilient than others and may tolerate a wider range of conditions with proper care.
5. **Donate**: Consider donating the plant to a local community garden, school, or nonprofit organization where it can be used for educational or beautification purposes.
6. **Compost**: As a last resort, if the plant is not salvageable and cannot be rehomed, you can compost it to return nutrients to the soil and reduce waste.
While it's disappointing to realize you've purchased the wrong plant for your zone, there are usually options available to remedy the situation and ensure the plant finds a suitable home. In the future, double-checking plant hardiness zones and researching plant requirements before making a purchase can help prevent similar issues.
1. **Return or Exchange**: Check the return policy of the store where you purchased the plant. Many nurseries and garden centers have return or exchange policies that allow customers to return plants within a certain timeframe if they are not satisfied with their purchase. Be sure to keep your receipt and any original packaging.
2. **Rehome**: If returning the plant is not an option, consider giving it to a friend or neighbor who lives in a more suitable climate zone. They may be able to provide the plant with the conditions it needs to thrive.
3. **Experiment**: Depending on the specific plant and your local microclimate, you may be able to experiment with different growing techniques or protective measures to help the plant survive in your zone. This could include providing extra insulation during cold snaps, planting in a sheltered location, or using containers that can be moved indoors during extreme weather.
4. **Research**: Conduct thorough research on the plant's specific requirements and determine if there are any strategies you can implement to help it adapt to your climate. Some plants are more resilient than others and may tolerate a wider range of conditions with proper care.
5. **Donate**: Consider donating the plant to a local community garden, school, or nonprofit organization where it can be used for educational or beautification purposes.
6. **Compost**: As a last resort, if the plant is not salvageable and cannot be rehomed, you can compost it to return nutrients to the soil and reduce waste.
While it's disappointing to realize you've purchased the wrong plant for your zone, there are usually options available to remedy the situation and ensure the plant finds a suitable home. In the future, double-checking plant hardiness zones and researching plant requirements before making a purchase can help prevent similar issues.
Oliver Buckle
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If they are a neighbour won't they live in the same climate zone ?
If they are local they will also be in the wrong zone, so you would be giving something that is likely to die, that is not very nice.