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When to bring pelargoniums indoors?

SplandySplandy Posts: 161
in Plants
I have a few of the standard red kind and the leaves are turning red. I don't know if that's because it's too cold or they got too dry.

I also have a few attar of roses which still look fine at the moment. 

They're in pots and I'd like to keep them indoors over winter. I have a South facing conservatory, would that be ok? The problem with that is that it's still very warm in there on a sunny day at the moment but will be freezing in winter as it's not heated.

Or am I supposed to bring them properly indoors and treat them like houseplants?

Posts

  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    edited September 2022
    Depending on where you live. I'm in what is considered the warmest part of the SE, if we get a frost warning,they will go into a frost free green house. I have several of the scented variety, they are in pots in front garden,south facing,near the bungalow. They've been in there about 7 years now,and even survived the "beast from the east", when night time temperature went down to minus 12c, the tops when black and mushy, went to dig them out. Re planted,new compost,they were fine. Agree about the conservatory,our top green house, reached 30c this week. We put the citrus in,and some very large house plants, because it went down to 6.6 .(overnight) Drives me crazy, this time of the year,same as march,stuff out,stuff in. I don't treat them as houseplants, just because I haven't the room for them,but you certainly could. I hate wasting anything....who can afford to these days. I know a lot of folk take cuttings in the summer,that has never worked for me. Our conservatory faces north and has reached 25c this week. When it gets really cold, they will be perfectly happy in your unheated conservatory.
  • borgadrborgadr Posts: 718
    edited September 2022
    Personally I'll do what I did last year. Once I start seeing the forecasted nighttime lows drop to 5 degrees they'll go in the greenhouse.

    Edit - I should have added, the greenhouse is not warm like "properly indoors" but it is heated on a thermostat to keep it above 5 degrees.

    However,  I am interested to know when folks prune theirs back - at the start of winter or towards the end?
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    edited September 2022
    Following the forecasts carefully is the best bet.  Moving plants closer to the house first, then in and out depending on forecast, then finally in.  5ºC is a good guide line.

    If you squeeze your plants into winter accomodation, then a prune to slim and tidy should be done when you bring them in.  I would leave a more thorough prune to the early spring when growth has rstarted.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • WAMSWAMS Posts: 1,960
    Time permitting (am really noticing the shorter evenings curtailing my garden time, boo) I have started potting them up... have a fair few so will take some time. They are currently sitting outside but I will bring them in to any available windowsill soon, before it gets frosty... I love the blooms through the winter.
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    I cut mine back the following spring, then re-pot, and off they romp
  • SplandySplandy Posts: 161
    Thanks all. I'm in the West Midlands. Do you think the red leaves are from the lower temperatures at the moment? I don't think it's been anywhere near 5 yet but I think it was around 9 last night.

    Do you think they would need to be properly indoors rather than in the conservatory as it is unheated and very cold at night?

    I was considering trying to grow some from cuttings but I've never managed it before. I love plants but don't think I'm a very good gardener. 
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @Splandy Reddening of the leaves is common at this time of year. Also it can be seen on old leaves at anytime during the growing season. I would think a conservatory would be fine, in the south of the country pelargoniums are coming through the winter outside. The biggest problem is often overwatering.
    The fact that you love plants is a big positive, gardening is such a big subject there is always something to learn so stay positive and enjoy!

    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • RedwingRedwing Posts: 1,511
    I agree with what's been said already.  I have about 20 scented pelargoniums and they over winter in a COLD greenhouse or cold frame.  I loose one or two most winters but this is what works for me.  They are surprisingly hardly but don't like the wet. Keep them dry and only water if they are really dry and the temperature is warmish. 
    Based in Sussex, I garden to encourage as many birds to my garden as possible.
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