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
Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars
April 3, 2024
Garden Trends
Franklin Public Library, Franklin, WI
April 10, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
Container Gardening Throughout the Year
Register now
April 11, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
7 Steps to Managing Water Where it Falls in Your Yard
Register now
April 17, 2024
Landscaping for Birds:
A Gardener’s Perspective
Glendale, WI
April 18, 2024
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Golden Rondelle Theater, Racine, WI
Register now
April 20, 2024
Pruning Hydrangeas and Other Shrubs
Pasquesi Home & Gardens, Lake Bluff, IL
April 27, 2024
Ridges & Rivers Book Festival
Viroqua, WI
April 28, 2024
Flowering Trees and Shrubs
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI
May 1, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
Ornamental Fruits and Vegetables
Register now
May 4, 2024
Garden U 2024
New Richmond, WI
Register now
May 9, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
How to Plant Your Rain Garden
Register now
WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Learn More