Built to last
# Care and overwintering

A well-maintained wrought iron box holds up through every season without weakening — a few simple steps are enough to preserve the finish and the drainage.

Handcrafted Made to order, never flat-pack [Get a quote →](https://bac-a-oranger.fr/en/quote/) **4 steps** Simple and regular [See finishes too](https://bac-a-oranger.fr/en/finishes-and-colours/) The four steps that matter ## Protecting the iron and the plant - **Clear drainage** Check that the drainage holes haven't clogged up over time, especially after a recent repotting. - **Rinsing off limescale** A clear-water rinse after feeding with fertiliser-rich water limits white marks on the iron. - **Rust touch-ups** A scratch on the powder coating is quickly treated with a suitable touch-up, before rust has a chance to set in. - **Shelter before frost** A non-hardy plant should be brought indoors before the first frosts — the box itself holds up outdoors all year round. The exact frequency depends on your exposure (coastal, heavy rainfall) — the workshop advises on a case-by-case basis.
                   Before winter
## The box stays outside, the plant doesn't always

Well powder-coated wrought iron holds up outdoors all year round — that's not always the case for the plant it holds.

### Mulching limits root frost Even for a hardy plant, a thick layer of mulch on the surface protects the roots from sharp temperature swings on a limited volume of soil.

Frequently asked questions ## About care Does wrought iron rust despite the powder coating? An intact powder coating protects the iron reliably, but a deep scratch exposes the metal — a quick touch-up prevents rust from progressing.
       Do I need to bring the box indoors for winter?
No, the box itself stays outside all year round. Only the plant, depending on its species, may need shelter in case of frost.
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## A box built to last

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