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Cascade summer wisteria in containers #659702

Asked July 04, 2020, 2:17 PM EDT

How does containerized Cascade Summer wisteria hold up in MN winters? Does it need to be protected while in container?

Carver County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thanks for the question.

Cascade Summer Wisteria is hardy in growing zones 3 and above.  Carver County is in growing zone 4b so the plant can survive if planted directly in the ground.  Its survival in a container would be problematic since the soil in the container, if left outside, would completely freeze.  Your wisteria probably wouldn’t survive.  If it was planted in the ground, the insulation provided by the surrounding dirt would minimize this problem.  However, you could also try moving the container inside but this may not be practical.  See the following:

https://mnhardy.umn.edu/varieties/woody-ornamentals/wisteria

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/wisteria/growing-wisteria-in-container.htm

https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-overwinter-container-plants-1402050

One final idea:  keep your wisteria in the container and dig a large hole in your garden and put the container in it.  This way you will capture the insulation of surrounding soil while at the same time avoiding having to lug the container inside.  Just keep things well watered during the fall.  Put some mulch around the container when it is in the ground for further protection.  In the spring you could then dig up the container and move it to a more desirable location.

Good Luck!!

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 05, 2020, 12:06 PM EDT

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