I overwinter perennials that aren't big enough to plant out yet (mostly seed-raised) on the shelves of an old growhouse without the cover, up against the wall of the house for a bit of shelter. It works fine.
Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
I should add, they die back for the winter in the same way as mature perennials in the ground do, and re-grow in spring. It never occurred to me to try to keep them growing and green in the winter.
The danger period for young hardy perennials isn't the cold, it's the slugs and snails when the new growth first appears in spring. Keeping them on the shelves isn't completely mollusc-proof but it's better than in or on the ground.
Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
A local nursery is having an open day soon and I intend going along for a look as bargains are to be had. Depending on the size of the pot, if I buy any, they will either be planted in the ground or potted on and kept in the blowaway over winter.
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