I’ve written before that I love working at a Garden Center because I’ve been learning so much about the plants around me, and most importantly, how to care for my own plants better. One thing I was surprised by was plants I thought were perennials, like Dahlias, behave more like annuals here in Massachusetts. The pros here kept telling me, yes, they are perennials… somewhere. Just not here.
With that said, and a little extra work on your part, there may be a way to save those tender perennials from year to year. Below is a list of plants that are not winter-hardy, or are native to warmer climates, that need to be dug up and stored indoors during the winter to survive.
Tender Bulbs, Tubers, and Corms
Dahlias (Dahlia spp.)
Dig up tubers after the first frost; store in a cool, dry place.
Cannas (Canna spp.)
Lift rhizomes after frost; store in a cool, dry area.
Gladiolus (Gladiolus spp.)
Dig up corms before the first hard frost; store in a dry, frost-free place.
Elephant Ears (Colocasia and Alocasia spp.)
Lift tubers before frost; keep in a cool, dry spot indoors.
Tuberous Begonias (Begonia tuberhybrida)
Dig up tubers after foliage dies back; store in a cool, dry place.
Caladium (Caladium spp.)
Lift tubers before frost; store in a warm, dry area.
Crocosmia (Crocosmia spp.)
Dig up corms before frost; store in a cool, dry place.
Calla Lilies (Zantedeschia spp.)
Dig up rhizomes before frost; store in a cool, dry place.
Peacock Orchid (Gladiolus murielae, also known as Acidanthera)
Dig up corms before frost; store in a cool, dry place.
Oxalis (Oxalis spp.)
Lift bulbs or tubers before frost; store in a cool, dry location.
Tender Perennials
Geraniums (Pelargonium spp.)
Can be potted up and kept indoors as houseplants or stored dormant in a cool, dry area.
Fuchsias (Fuchsia spp.)
Bring indoors as houseplants or store in a cool, frost-free area.
Salvias (Tender species like Salvia guaranitica)
Bring indoors or store in a cool, dry spot.
Mexican Sage (Salvia leucantha)
Not frost-hardy; dig up and store indoors.
Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas)
Can be overwintered by storing tubers in a cool, dry place.
Lantana (Lantana camara)
Bring indoors or treat as an annual; not cold-hardy.
Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides)
Bring indoors as a houseplant or take cuttings for propagation.
Mandevilla (Mandevilla spp.)
Bring indoors as a houseplant; not frost-hardy.
Brugmansia (Angel’s Trumpet)
Bring indoors; needs a frost-free environment.
Hibiscus (Tropical varieties, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
Bring indoors as houseplants.
Tender Vines and Climbers
Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.)
Bring indoors or place in a frost-free greenhouse.
Passionflower (Passiflora spp.)
Bring indoors; not hardy in Massachusetts winters.
Black-eyed Susan Vine (Thunbergia alata)
Can be brought indoors or treated as an annual.
Morning Glory (Ipomoea spp., tender varieties)
Not frost-hardy; often treated as an annual.
Succulents and Tender Tropicals
Banana Plants (Musa spp.)
Dig up and store in a cool, frost-free place or bring indoors as a houseplant.
Agapanthus (Agapanthus spp.)
Tender varieties need to be brought indoors or stored in a cool, dry spot.
Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)
Bring indoors; not frost-tolerant.
Jasmine (Tender varieties, e.g., Jasminum sambac)
Bring indoors or keep in a frost-free greenhouse.
Cordyline (Cordyline spp.)
Not frost-hardy; bring indoors as a houseplant.
Tips for Storing Tender Perennials:
Digging Up: Carefully dig up the plants after the first light frost or before a hard frost. Shake off excess soil, trim off dead foliage, and allow the roots or tubers to dry before storing.
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool (40-50°F), dark, dry, and well-ventilated space. Many plants do well in peat moss, sand, or vermiculite to prevent them from drying out completely.
Periodic Checks: Check the stored plants periodically throughout the winter. Discard any that show signs of rot or disease.
Thanks for reading! If you would like to learn more plant facts or advice, check us out on the web at: www.newenglandnurseries.com.
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