“Will Perennials Survive Over Winter in Flower Pots and Raised Beds?”

They can… however, plant roots are vulnerable to cold temperatures, and flower pots and raised beds may not offer the insulation your plant roots need.

Here are ways to beef up your plants’ defenses, so your perennials are more likely to come back!

• Use larger containers with more soil volume.

• Plant perennials that have greater cold hardiness. Use perennials that are two hardiness zones below your zone. For example, if you live in zone 5b, plant perennials in your containers that are hardy to zone 3.

• Transplant perennials from flower pots to the ground for winter. Move them back in the spring. If you have smaller flower pots, you can dig holes for the pots and place them right into the ground for winter.

• Or, find ways to insulate your flower pots above ground. Move them to an unheated garage or an east-facing location. Ideally, you’re trying to avoid locations that are prone to a freeze/thaw cycle, like a south- or west-facing location that heats up during the day and freezes at night. Our friend, Horticulturist David Salman, used to recommend wrapping containers in bubble wrap for insulation over winter.

• Be sure to water every few weeks during the winter. The Colorado State University Extension suggests watering mid-day on days when temperatures are above 40 degrees. It helps keep plant roots healthy and minimizes drought stress. Pour the water on the root zone of your plants.

• Keep vigilant during our roller coaster weather in late winter and early spring. You don’t want to expose plants too early… or too late. As temperatures stabilize and warm, remove any insulation from your containers and move your flower pots back to their regular locations.