The imposing mammoth leaf originally comes from Brazil and is considered conditionally hardy. The perennial usually does not survive a harsh winter unprotected. Therefore, you should think about how to winterize your mammoth leaf.

Mammoth leaves can be protected from frost with their own cut leaves

When the mammoth leaf overwinters in the garden

Frost down to about -10 °C is usually not a problem, so in a mild area the mammoth leaf can overwinter without additional protection. However, it should also be prepared for the winter there. Cut off the wilting leaves in the fall and trim the remaining stems to about 30 centimeters.

Also, remove anything that encourages root rot or where pests might nest, such as damp leaves and other plant matter. To protect against frost, cover your mammoth leaf with brushwood, fir branches, cut mammoth leaves, coconut mats (€21.90) or fleece. Be sure to ensure adequate air exchange, this also prevents the mammoth leaf from rotting.

Overwinter the mammoth leaf in the bucket

The mammoth leaf can also be planted in a bucket and decorate your garden. If it is to overwinter outside, then the root ball must be well protected from frost on all sides. Place the bucket on a thick sheet of wood or styrofoam (€45.00) and wrap it with an old blanket or something similar.

A frost-free winter quarters for your container plant is an alternative. Light is not required, a cool basement room is sufficient. Do not let the root ball dry out completely, the mammoth leaf does not need more care in the winter quarters.

The mammoth leaf in spring

If it slowly gets warmer again in spring, then start airing your mammoth leaf regularly, but initially only briefly and during the day. Later you extend the ventilation times. If the nights are frost-free, you can remove the winter protection. The young shoots of the perennial rot easily, and pests like to nest in the old winter shelter. Therefore, protection should not remain for too long.

The essentials in brief:

  • hardy to about - 10 °C
  • cut back in autumn
  • protect against rot and moisture
  • cover airtight
  • Do not remove winter protection too early (late frosts!)
  • as a container plant it is better to overwinter frost-free

tips

If there is a late night frost, you may cover your mammoth leaf again in the evening.

Category:

Vegetable garden