Cast-iron plant might sound like a strange name for a tropical evergreen, but once you realize how exceptionally tough this plant is, you’ll understand the label.Aspidistra elatior is incredibly tolerant of neglect. Dro
12.06.2023 - 00:59 / gardenerspath.com / Kristine Lofgren
How to Winterize HollyhocksHollyhocks are gorgeous with their tall stalks of frilly flowers.
They’re so pretty that they would even be worth growing if they were super fussy. Luckily, they’re not! They are surprisingly low-maintenance, given their showy appearance.
Still, they’ll appreciate a little extra care to keep them looking their best.
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Winterizing is an important part of the process to help hollyhocks live their best life. But before you start worrying that you’re in for a complex and challenging road ahead, don’t panic. The process is incredibly simple.
To help you figure out how to care for your plants during the winter, we’ll go over the following:
Winter will be here before you know it, so let’s dive right in!
Winter Care Starts EarlyIf your plants have been stressed all summer, they’re less likely to survive the winter intact. Hollyhocks that are troubled by pests or diseases, or that experience drought or overwatering, are going to be much less healthy.
An unhealthy plant is less able to set up the nutritional stores it needs to get it through the winter, so it’s also going to be less prepared to burst forth with new growth in the spring.
Thank goodness hollyhocks are such tough plants. So long as you provide what’s required in terms of basic care, they should be fine. Our guide to growing hollyhocks can help.
Prune Them DownOnce the cold weather arrives, the stalks (if present) and remaining foliage need to be trimmed down.
Do this when the plant is completely dormant, which usually happens after the first several hard freezes. The leaves should be completely brown and dead-looking.
If you cut them
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