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Preparing for winter

Qyg1J4kbD2O4n6bmG2U72-Fk7lhqHAEIQyg1J4kbD2O4n6bmG2U72-Fk7lhqHAEI Posts: 2
edited August 2020 in Plants
I have many annuals this year varied types from trailing verbenna, fushia, begonias, pelargoniums, and petunias, this is my first time I have decided to keep for next year I am unsure how to keep them alive over winter. Will they survive in a cold frame? 
what position would be more suitable North facing at the rear of house where there is no sunlight but it is protected from harsh weather the temperature inside the cold frame could be more manageable or South West where it would get some sun?
And would it be best to bring pelargoniums indoors?
Thanks
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Posts

  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    I think they name gives it away, annuals are consigned largely to the compost heap/green bin after the first frost. You can propagate some tender parennials and keep them going as houseplants for next year but with them being so cheap to buy, not sure it's worth the effort. 
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • HalleSHalleS Posts: 105
    I am in the southwest and was surprised to find that some of my annuals survive the winter here. I don’t do anything special, just leave them in their pots or the ground. I have a 3 year old annual fuchsia that sprouts new growth every spring and my petunias from last year have regrown as well. (They’ve also self seeded around the garden).
    My pelargoniums don’t last the winter but I’ve never put in much effort trying to keep them alive. 
  • Dirty HarryDirty Harry Posts: 1,048
    Some plants are used so much as annuals that people sometimes forget they're perennials and might be worth keeping.

    My potted fuchsias all did ok outside over last winter with no protection although it was fairly mild.

    I kept my begonias in their hanging basket once they were done and put them in the car port so they were cold but frost free. First time I decided to try and re-use the corms and didn't touch them at all until spring when I potted them up individually. The plants this year are much bigger, healthy things. There are only 3 corms in this basket-

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Fuchsias, begonias, pelargoniums are not annuals but they are tender and don't like frosts.

    Some fuchsias are hardy and can be grown outdoors.  Indeed some are used as hedging plants in the south west of the UK.   The bigger, blousier flowered varieties are tender but can be kept going as houseplants on a sunny windowsill or in a frost free greenhouse or cold frame.   You can cut them back first  to reduce size if needed and take cuttings as insurance.

    Begonias are tubers so can be stored, like bulbs, in a frost free place and re-planted in early spring to start growing again and then be put out once the frosts finish. 

    Pelargoniums can be cut back and grown on in a quiet spot indoors in winter - light but not too much watering and no frosts.  You can use the offcuts to make cuttings in a mix of gritty compost and keep those in a similar position.

    If your cold frame is frost free they should be fine.  If not, use some bubble wrap to insulate the sides and put a couple of layers on the lid at night and leave it there when temperatures drop but take it off when it's warmer so the plants get maximum light.

    Not worth trying to save petunias and trailing verbenas.  Better to bin those and buy new next spring.  They'll be more vigorous and floriferous.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • Valley GardenerValley Gardener Posts: 2,851
    @Dirty Harry
    Lovely hanging basket. Im hoping I will be able to overwinter my Begonias,first time growing them and they've been brilliant,standing up to the wind and rain of this strange summer.
    The whole truth is an instrument that can only be played by an expert.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    It's as @Obelixx describes - many are simply not frost hardy, so can be kept going with protection, or even outside if you're in a warmer part of the country, especially if your garden is sheltered. With fuchsias, it's wise to know which kind you have, but the shrubby ones are very woody compared to the others, and you certainly don't want to bring them inside.

    Many people keep pelargoniums in porches,  conservatories or on window sills etc. to keep them for the following year. Not too much effort required as you can cut them back and largely ignore them. The cut pieces can be rooted and grown too if you want more.

    Even my mum managed that, and she could kill plastic plants   :D
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Qyg1J4kbD2O4n6bmG2U72-Fk7lhqHAEIQyg1J4kbD2O4n6bmG2U72-Fk7lhqHAEI Posts: 2
    lovely hanging basket :)
    Thanks for your help I will try the cold frame and take cuttings to be safe. I must have two types of fuchsias, a few of them are woody they actually survived the winter I thought I was lucky, a couple I have bought this year are trailing.
    I have so many it would be a shame to lose them
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    Dirty Harry said:

    I kept my begonias in their hanging basket once they were done and put them in the car port so they were cold but frost free.
    I do the same. It works fine.

  • BijdezeeBijdezee Posts: 1,484
    I'm just curious about the account name... Why on earth?? 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    It seems to be a quirk on the forum when people are registering @Bijdezee. 
    It becomes a bit tricky when you want to tag them in on a reply using the name  :D
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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