The expert Triphylla grower, Mike Oxtoby, seems to be the ideal person to consult on how to go about overwintering Triphyllas successfully, as Thalia, that fantastic plant he won the Triphylla section with at the BFS Northern Show at Sale in the 1970's, is still reappearing and stealing the show year in year out in Mike's display area at his North Cave nursery.
Now firmly established in a 125 litre pot it would be a near impossible task to get a to a show but it still is a fantastic stunner well worth seeing and lovingly referred to at the nursery as the 3½" Thalia.

Quite miraculous that it is still doing so well actually as the plant was badly burned in a fire at the nursery a few years ago. If you looked closely at the plant you can still see the scorches branches at the base, though in mid summer it is of course a glorious sight in full bloom, too numerous to count.

However, should you pick the wrong time to call, as John Clarke of Barnsley did last year, you'll get the shock of your life as Mike is 'attacking' the poor plant while still in full bloom with a power hedge trimmer!!
Butchering it, cutting the branches back hard (and rough) till just a bucket with a stumpy brown woody frame work is left.

Phew!

Brave
or what!! 

Crazy, many would say, however, it works for Mike.

Quite a few dedicated show growers, in fact also cut down their treasured prize winning triphyllas after the final show of the season, or even at the show itself to facilitate the transport home.
It is hard to believe that the bucket of woody sprigs left, was that fantastic Thalia you saw in full bloom a few weeks ago and you will be able to see in all its glory again next summer!
Well, if it works this well for Mike it must be worth following suit!  That is if we are brave enough though!!
After being cut down the plants are laid on their sides (to encourage more shoots to form on the lower branches) in a sheltered moist position e.g. gravel bed in shade house. After a few weeks some new growth becomes visible and the growing cycle starts again. Keep in good light during winter and at minimum temperature of 5°C, to be increased in early spring as light level naturally increase when repotting also should take place.

Please note that though visitors can be assured of a warm welcome at the nursery, where the stock plants are on display in an outdoors gravel area during the summer months, remember that the nursery is closed on Mondays.  Mike & Jackie also like to take some time off late summer to visit the shows, so during the show season please check before setting off if travelling some distance. (01430 423049).