Wintering - New Zealand Fern and Banana Plant

TerrysWorld

I have a New Zealand Fern and a Banana Plant, each are in pots on the Patio.

For the winter, can these be placed in a shed.

Would the leaves need to be removed also would I need to wrap them as if they were outside with straw etc.although the shed is dry and has a small window.

Fairygirl

Not sure if a shed is suitable as they would get virtually no light, but they might be happy enough during dormancy, just as dahlias are. Is the fern a particular variety? Some of those might not need protection in the same way as the banana, and it'll also depend whereabouts in the country you are. 

I don't grow them, but you may need to protect them a little bit when undercover too.

Soemone else who grows them, or similar plants, will be able to advise better than me though.  

TerrysWorld

Thanks,

Location Monmouthshire

Fern: Dicksonia Antartica

Banana: Museilla Lasiocarpa of the Golden Lotus

Paul B3

Both Dicksonia antarctica and Musella lasiocarpa can both withstand quite sharp frosts .

However , in your location it may be a good idea to facilitate some form of protection . My tree-fern stays outdoors now throughout the year , where it survived the winter of 2009/10 (down to -12C) for several nights .

Your Musella could be cut down to base if need be (for storage) , and kept in a shed if necessary . It will readily regenerate from the base in the early summer .

The worst enemy of plants like this are cold drying winds , and purely for aesthetic reasons I remove all fronds from the tree-fern early winter . I believe this conserves moisture in the plant , which is dormant anyway .