- Don't wait until temps reach below 32 degrees Fahrenheit to do something with your outdoor potted plants. Although damage may not occur until that point, you are risking losing a perennial that you otherwise may save by acting more swiftly. Also, many containers cannot survive severe cold and will crack, ruining the pot and possibly damaging the plant inside. When temperatures are consistently at or just below 50 degrees, it's time to bring your containers indoors for the winter.
- There are several overwintering storage options for potted perennial plants. In climate zones where freezing temperatures are not reached but the thermometer dips into the 40s and 50s, consider heavily mulching the pot with organic material, such as composted pine needles, or even burying the pot in the ground with a foot of mulch covering the plant at the surface. These practices allow the plant to die back naturally, while still protecting roots and the container. For indoor storage, remember that moving a plant rapidly from 50 degrees to the typical indoor temp of 75 may cause plant stress. Store the plant initially in a slightly warmer part of your home, such as an attached garage or basement, and reduce watering. After two weeks in warmer temps, some perennials may benefit from moving into the warmer parts of your home until spring. Only water enough to prevent drying out.
- When temperatures begin to warm up and frost danger has passed for your area, plants stored indoors may be moved gradually back outside. Start in a shaded area, then move them into the sunlight to allow for acclimation to the warm weather and sun rays. Dig up buried pots and remove mulch from containers overwintered outdoors in milder climates. This is also a good time to divide any potted perennials that have overgrown their containers.
previous post
next post