Keeping stuff alive in the arctic blasts

I've not got many choices as regards plant protection in winter - basically it's
a.In the spare bedroom - not desirable from my point of view
b.In the greenhouse - gappy, draughty, unheated and, so far, no bubble wrap.
c.In the brick shed - almost completely dark in there.

So, what do you think is the best thing to do for:

Brugmansia
Kristen's Cyperus Papyrus

 

cut down the brug, sheer its roots off, pot it, keep it in the dark.

so the same for Papyrus, it will grow back next spring I would have thought? (dont take my word for that, just assuming on the same basis as Cyperus alterifolius)

 

I'm sorry I thought you said keeping stuff alive in the attic

 

No, no, that's the mad husband.

 

Shear its roots off? Wouldn't that be cruel?

 

No its fine, they do just fine.. not all of its roots of course, just enough so you can pot in something smaller if it's too heavy to carry in. If it's in a small pot already and fine to lift, just cut all the branches including the leaves to the main stems and then store it for the winter. it won't do it any harm.

 

At the moment it's still got flowers on - I don't think I can bear to chop it down. Is it OK to leave it till it looks mankier? It's in a biggish pot, but still not big enough!

 

well you can store it in the the cold dark shed with its flowers on, but just cut this leafed stems off when they die. I think people cut the stems off as all the energy goes into producing flowers (keeping them flowering?), so cutting them off essentially renders the plant dormant, and then a better survival chance in colder weather.

 

I'd cut down once the plant goes limp, if you cut down while the roots are wet they will stay that way and possibly rot.
They do survive in the dark but need to be above freezing, but not enough to make them want to grow.

 

What about the cyperus? Do i have to reproduce the conditions of the Nile in my suburban back yard?

 

I'll order in a bag or two from Travis Perkins!

 

Bag a new one at Shiney's next year?

I have kept them alive for one winter but never, as yet, two winters. other say the same, so may not be possible/easy for 2nd Winter.

They are easy from seed - if that helps as an alternative?

 

How did you keep them alive? In a bucket of water next to a radiator?