From my perspective as a Daphne, winter is a time of deep rest, not death. I enter a state of dormancy where my visible growth halts, but my roots remain quietly active. My metabolism slows down significantly to conserve energy. This is a crucial survival mechanism. The primary challenge for me in a pot is that my roots are far more exposed to the cold air temperatures than they would be if I were planted in the ground, where the earth provides insulation. My potted environment makes my root ball vulnerable to freezing solid, which would be fatal, or to drying out from harsh winds, which is equally dangerous.
My pot is my entire world, so its placement is critical for my survival. I need to be moved to a location that protects me from the most extreme conditions. An ideal spot is against a sheltered wall, preferably facing north or east to avoid the harsh morning winter sun which can cause frost damage on my leaves when they thaw too quickly. To insulate my roots, you must wrap my pot. Burlap, bubble wrap, or horticultural fleece placed around the container creates a vital barrier against the cold. Alternatively, you can plunge my pot into a larger container filled with straw or mulch. Raising my pot onto "feet" or blocks is also beneficial, as it prevents waterlogging by ensuring drainage holes remain clear.
Watering is perhaps the most delicate balancing act you must perform for me in winter. My need for water is greatly reduced due to my dormancy, but it does not disappear entirely. My roots must never be allowed to completely dry out, as I cannot draw moisture from frozen soil and will desiccate. Conversely, sitting in cold, soggy soil will cause my roots to rot, a condition I am highly susceptible to. You must check my soil moisture by feeling it about an inch below the surface. Water me sparingly, only on days when the temperature is above freezing and preferably in the morning. Use tepid water to avoid shocking my root system.
While my roots are my primary concern, my evergreen leaves also need protection. Harsh, drying winds can scorch my foliage, leading to excessive moisture loss. A physical windbreak, such as a screen or strategically placed burlap, can break the wind's force. In areas with heavy snowfall, gently brush accumulated snow off my branches to prevent them from breaking under the weight. Avoid using salt or de-icing chemicals anywhere near me, as these can leach into my soil and cause severe root damage, from which I may not recover.
