Ever wonder if the delicate-looking Maiden Pink can actually handle those biting winter winds? For such a tiny plant, you might be surprised to learn that it’s actually a total powerhouse when it comes to cold hardiness. The short answer is: absolutely! But, like most things in gardening, there are a few “ifs” and “buts” you should know about to keep them happy.
Maiden Pinks are Cold-Weather Champs
Maiden Pinks are native perennials that are incredibly adaptable. While they love soaking up the summer sun, they aren’t bothered by deep freezes once winter rolls around. You won’t have to lose sleep over these guys surviving a rough winter. Experts actually rate their hardiness down to -40°F (that’s USDA Zone 3!). This means that no matter where you live in the States, there isn’t a spot too cold for them to stay outdoors year-round. You can skip the heavy mulching and save that energy for your more “diva” plants.
Give Young Plants a Little Extra Love
Remember those exceptions I mentioned? The first one involves the “new kids on the block.” If you’ve just put young Maiden Pinks in the ground, they need a little time to build up their legendary toughness. It usually takes about two years for them to reach maximum hardiness. To make sure they make it through that first vulnerable winter, here’s what to do:
- Protect young plants before the first hard frost hits.
- Provide cover for at least the first year (two winters is even better).
- Mulch the root area with fallen leaves.
- Alternatively, use a breathable garden fleece or frost blanket.
Pro Tip:
While the cold won’t kill them, “wet feet” will. Excessive moisture in the winter is the real enemy of this species. Make sure your soil drains well!
Winter Care for Potted Pinks
The second exception is Maiden Pinks living in containers. While the ground in a garden bed cools down slowly, the soil in a pot freezes through much faster. In a bed, only the surface is exposed to the frost, but a pot gets hit from all sides. The roots have nowhere to hide and can freeze solid—and unfortunately, they don’t “thaw out” as well as frozen veggies do. To keep those roots from turning into ice cubes, you’ll need to step in before the first frost:
- Move the pot to a (relatively warm) south-facing wall.
- Elevate the pot on a wooden block or a piece of styrofoam to get it off the cold ground.
- Wrap the pot in bubble wrap, burlap, or frost fleece.
- Cover the soil surface thickly with leaves, pine needles, or straw.
If you have a very small pot, it’s actually safer to move it into a bright, frost-free indoor spot like a garage or shed. Since Maiden Pinks keep their foliage through the winter, remember to give them a tiny bit of water every now and then. Just leave the fertilizer in the shed—they don’t need any food during their winter nap!
