I bought a microphylla in the autumn intending to make a bonsai or two with it. It has been outside quite happily flowering until very recently.

This morning I went to repot it and divide it up and its looking a bit dark on the leaves. I had assumed that it was hardy but now I'm wondering if I should be giving it some frost protection. I haven't got a greenhouse so the alternative to outside would be a garage which has lots of natural light.

Which would be best?

Daryl

A lot of the microphylla/encliandra fuchsias are hardy and survive the winter,  if planted in the ground. If they have a 'free-root-run' they become quite large bushes. The problem with leaving one in a pot, especially a plastic pot, is that it's easier for the frost to kill the roots.

I would put it in the garage overnight with these cold temperatures that we are experiencing atm but place it in a sheltered spot, outside during the daylight hours.

Kath
UK - Zone 8

"People will forget what you said,
 People will forget what you did,
 But people will never forget
 How you made them feel."

Daryl