What's this and will it survive winter?

[FusionChefGeoff]

I fear not as was a bedding plant I think but it took off like a rocket so wondering if I can cut back and hope for the best or just dig it out and buy again next year?

[shovetheholly]

That's an osteospermum. Some of them are winter-hardy, some aren't. That one looks a lot like mine, which is not!

However, you can take cuttings. You see those green stems without flowers on to the right of your picture? Cut them off cleanly ust under a leaf so you have a piece that's about 3 inches long. Remove the lower leaves, dip the end in rooting powder and pop into reasonably well drained compost. Water, and leave in a warm place (but not bakingly sunny) for about 3 weeks. After that time they should have rooted and can be moved to a cool but frost-free place. Don't overwater in the winter, but don't let them dry out and dessicate either.

[shovetheholly]

Oh, and once you've taken cuttings as your insurance policy, maybe leave the plant in. It could be hardy, or we might get a mild winter!

[bookbook]

oh, yes to osteospermum.
The leaves on mine are different though - mine is the hardy perennial type, so suspect shove is right - she usually is :)

[shovetheholly]

Oooh, I wouldn't back myself this time - this is my sole osteospermum. I can't really grow them well in my conditions but I feel in love with it at York Gate Garden and DH gave up trying to persuade me out of it. It has done OK, though I think I probably need to concede that it should be in the south-facing front garden.

[OllyBJolly]

shove you posted on my thread re what is winter hardy. Thanks for advice here on how to take cuttings. Can I just ask - once it's rooted is it kept outside or inside? I don't have a greenhouse.

[shovetheholly]

Sorry olly I should have been clearer! You need to keep it inside your house in a warmish place (15-20 C) for 3-4 weeks while the cuttings root. Then you need to move it to a cool but frost-free place for the rest of the winter, giving it the occasional water but not too much wet. About 5 degrees is ideal, so an unheated room or a porch would be ideal if you have one?

[OllyBJolly]

thank you!

[FusionChefGeoff]

Amazing advice thank you! We have a utility room which would be perfect for trying to keep a cutting. That feels like proper gardening - I must be a grown up now

[shovetheholly]

It's a wonderful feeling to create new baby plants from the old ones. Definitely qualifies you as a Proper Gardener!