Citrus Plants In Winter

Too much cold weather and they will fade, says Ruth

- Ruth Hayes

CITRUS and olive trees are having a bit of a moment and are now widely available in garden centres, supermarkets and online retailers.

They will thrive in a warm spot outside in summer, but as autumn moves into winter you need to think about moving them somewhere with more protection.

A cool but frost-free greenhouse or porch is ideal as if the room has a hot, dry atmosphere, they shed their leaves.

Our potted lemon tree has reached the size where moving it to and from the greenhouse each autumn and summer isn’t really an option. So this year, I’m going to wrap it in fleece and bubble wrap and tuck it into a sheltered corner of the garden, only moving it undercover if extremely cold weather is forecast.

We live close to the south coast where the weather is usually relatively mild, but if you are further north or you have an exposed garden, move any citrus plants into a light, frost-free room for winter.