Outdoor Potted Plants Year Round

Outdoor potted plants can add beauty and interest to your home all year round. But not all plants are created equal when it comes to tolerating the cold. Some plants will need to be brought indoors during the winter months, while others can withstand even the coldest temperatures.

If you live in a cold climate, it is important to choose plants that are hardy to your zone. You can find this information on the plant tag or by asking your local nursery. Some good choices for cold-hardy plants include:

Evergreens, such as boxwood, holly, and yew
Deciduous shrubs, such as hydrangeas, viburnums, and forsythia
Perennials, such as hostas, daylilies, and irises

Once you have chosen your plants, it is important to prepare them for the winter. This includes:

Watering the plants deeply before the first frost
Adding a layer of mulch around the base of the plants
Protecting the plants from the wind and snow

If you live in a very cold climate, you may need to bring your plants indoors during the winter months. To do this, dig up the plants and pot them up in containers. Place the plants in a cool, dark place, such as a basement or garage. Water the plants sparingly during the winter.

In the spring, when the weather starts to warm up, you can bring your plants back outdoors. Be sure to harden off the plants first by gradually exposing them to the sun and wind over a period of several weeks.

With a little care, you can enjoy outdoor potted plants all year round. Just be sure to choose plants that are hardy to your climate and prepare them for the winter cold.

Here are some additional tips for keeping your outdoor potted plants healthy and beautiful: