Will Black Lace Elderberry Winter in a Pot?

Hardiness

• Potted-plant hardiness is different from in-ground plant hardiness, according to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Roots of potted plants are less protected from extremes of temperatures due to less insulation from the cold. Although black lace elderberry is hardy in the ground in USDA zones 4 through 8, it is not reliable in unprotected pots during the winter in USDA zones 4 and 5.

Mild-Winter Protection

• In USDA zones 7 and 8, move your black lace patio tree to a sheltered location inside a cool building or outside out of the wind and winter sun. Further winterize your black lace elderberry by not pruning or fertilizing in fall, as both of these activities encourage tender new growth. Prune in summer, after flowering, or in spring before leaves emerge. Keep your potted plant well watered during wintertime, as dehydrated plants are more susceptible to cold-weather damage.

Cold-Winter Protection

• Root protection is a primary concern in cold-winter regions, such as USDA zones 4 and 5. If you are unable to take your potted black lace elderberry indoors, move the pot to a sheltered location in a southern or western exposure. Group all your outdoor potted plants together, when possible, to create a greater thermal effect, as the pots provide protection to each other. Wrap individual pots with bubble wrap or burlap. Mulch around pots with shredded bark, straw or leaves. Cover the tops of pots with mulch up to the rims. Keep plants well watered but not soggy.

Containers

• Container choice makes a difference in the success of overwintering your potted black lace elderberry. Wooden containers are generally the most durable in regions where potted plants are subject to wintertime freezes. Wood is more forgiving of expansion of the soil inside the pot when freezes occur. Plastic and fiberglass pots are a good second choice, although plastic can crack under extreme conditions. Glazed pots do not absorb moisture, making them less susceptible to cracking than terra cotta or concrete. If you must have terra cotta, look for pots of special clay blends designed to withstand freezing. Wrap all pots in locations where freezing can occur.