Protecting Garden Pots During Winter

Line Clay Pots

Insert bubble wrap inside clay pots in spring to minimize moisture evaporation, and to help keep the roots snug in winter when the temperatures dive—the roots are just a fraction of an inch away from the icy cold, unlike those deep down in the soil.

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Plants to Protect

As a general guide, exotic plants from warm climates need winter protection. Some may survive the cold but, because they come from areas with dry winters, they will die in sopping wet soil. In free-draining soil and a sheltered position, though, they may survive. Others need to be wrapped up and brought inside, but the degree of protection varies.

Plants needing winter protection:

? trailing abutilon
? Aeonium
? aloe
? Beaucarnea recurvata
? begonia
? bougainvillea
? brugmansia (image 1)
? cactus
? citrus
? echeveria
? fuchsia 'Thalia'
? licorice plant (Helichrysum petiolare)
? heliotrope
? winter jasmine (Jasminum polyanthum)
? lantana (image 2)
? Chinese fan palm
? Musa
? oleander
? geranium (image 3)
? princess flower (Tibouchina)