Winterizing Whiskey Barrel Pond Plants (Zone 5): Lily, Cattail, Iris

Zone 5 IL, whiskey barrel pond with water lily, cattails, fountain with water iris. First winter—how to overwinter plants?

Small Pond = Must Bring In

Barrel freezes solid—plants die. Two methods:

Option A: Keep Growing Indoors

• Set up tub/pond in cool, bright area (basement, garage with light).
• Keep water 40–50°F, minimal light.
• Cattails/iris in wet pots; lily in pot submerged.

Option B: Dormant Tuber Storage

• Lily: Cut leaves 1" above crown. Store tuber in damp sand, dark, 40°F, ventilated bag.
• Cattail/iris: Cut foliage to 1". Keep roots damp in sphagnum moss, dark, cool.
• Check monthly—mist if dry.

Root Handling

• Active indoor: keep roots intact.
• Dormant storage: trim roots to 1" with foliage.

Resource: Indoor Ponds, Plant Storage, Winterizing.