Today we’re visiting with Helaine McDermott from western Connecticut.
Pink hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens, Zones 3–9) blooms behind a big clump of bear’s breeches (Acanthus mollis, Zones 6–9).
A beautiful clump of variegated Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra, Zones 5–9)
Begonia ‘Bonfire’ (Zones 9–11)i is usually grown as an annual, but Helaine has had this plant for eight years now. Each fall, she just puts it in the garage before the first frost and lets it go dormant, giving it no water during the winter. In spring she takes it out and waters it again, and it comes back into growth.
This begonia gets the same treatment—dry in the garage all winter—and also overwinters just great.
And, again, this purple heart (Tradescantia pallida, Zones 7–10) spends the winter in the garage. Many plants grown as annuals or tropicals in northern climates can be overwintered dry and cool in a garage or basement. Not all will survive that way, but if you have one you love that looks good before frost, it is worth giving it a try and seeing if you can get another year of growth out of it.
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Comments
Hi, Helaine!
What gorgeous begonias! What growing zone do you live in? I live in north-central MA, zone 5b/6a (the line goes through my town!).
My garage gets almost as cold as outdoors. I may try overwintering fuchsias this year in the garage, fingers crossed.
Your garden is gorgeous!
Warmest wishes, Bunny
That Bonfire begonia is just spectacular!!!
Interesting story how you overwintered your amazing Begonia ‘Bonfire’. And your variegated Japanese forest grass is doing beautifully.
Great idea for the begonias. I hate losing them every fall and having to start over the next year. I have done the same thing with Cannas. I dig them up, put them in pots with their dirt and leave them to dry out in the garage for the winter. They do great. I'm going to try some other plants - what have I got to lose?
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