I live in zone 7a. I have elephant ears that I overwintered in the ground and covered with 2-3inches of mulch before the first frost this winter. I cut them down 2-3 inches from the ground before mulching them. I completely covered them. Spring is just about here. I decided to remove the mulch and the 2-3 in of the stem is still there. However, it appears a little rotten maybe? I'm not sure. What should I expect after overwintering my elephant ears in the ground and what are my next steps if they are still well? Thanks.
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Did you have a long period of below temperature days?
This answer may determine if your 2-3 inches of much was enough to save them.
If these were mine, I would just leave them - wait until you are into spring and know that you will not have anymore freezing periods.
You may need to cover them again as frost could kill them and your last frost could be into May.
"zone 7, the last frost may be as late as May depending on region. Frost dates vary even within the zone, so consult a farmer's almanac or frost date map for guidance about your location."
Give them a chance to recover - if they are 'rotten' digging them up now will not save them.
If they survive; do not cut them back next winter and be sure they are well covered with mulch.
Check out this site:
www.americanmeadows.com/
The normal steps in cases like yours is to dig up the bulbs just before winter and store the bulbs in a dry place during the winter months. Then when spring arrives you plant them in the ground again. I would check on your bulbs and make sure they are still good.
In zone 7 , they are suppose to be removed. But since we are so close to reblooming, you could check to see what's left. There is a 50/50 chance on survival depending on how mild your winter is. Good luck !
well, it is encouraging about whatever part of the stem is still there. I don't think this plant is supposed to overwinterize like this so if it comes back at all then that's just simply amazing.
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