
Winter Care Perennials in Containers
I grew two Gaura and one perennial lobelia plants in a 1/2 oak whiskey barrel. I assume that the plants will not survive a zone 5 winter in the barrel. So how do I handle them for winter?
You are right. Gaura are not reliably hardy in when growing in the ground in zone 5 gardens. I treat Gaura as an annual. The summer long bloom makes it worth the investment. Perennial lobelia is hardy in zones 3 to 9 and may survive. Provide extra protection to increase your odds of success. Move the barrel to a sheltered corner of an unheated garage. Surround the barrel with bags of potting mix or other items in the garage to provide a bit of extra insulation. Water the container whenever the soil is dry and not frozen. Or try moving the barrel to a protected location outside and insulate the barrel with bales of straw. A third option is to plant the perennials in the garden. Once the ground freezes, mulch the plants with evergreen boughs or straw.
Related
Categories
Upcoming Webinars & Appearances
Feb. 4, 2023
WCBA's Home Building &
Remodeling EXPO
West Bend, Wisconsin
Feb. 8, 2023
WEBINAR:
Indoor Container Garden Design & Display Ideas
Register now
Feb. 10-12, 2023
PBS Wisconsin
Garden & Landscape EXPO
Madison, Wisconsin
Feb. 15, 2023
WEBINAR:
10 Tips for Growing Better Dahlias!
Register now
Feb. 17-19, 2023
NARI Milwaukee Spring Home Improvement Show
West Allis, Wisconsin
Feb. 22, 2023
WEBINAR:
Grow Beautiful Water Gardens
Register now
Watch Melinda's past webinars ON DEMAND
Learn More