Winter Protection for Container Plants: Moving Tender Exotics to Safety

Act Before Frost

As autumn nights cool, tender container plants (begonias, cannas, dahlias, eucomis, bromeliads) need shelter.

Priority Order

1. Begonias: Most frost-sensitive—move first.
2. Dahlias & cannas: First frost blackens foliage but rarely damages tubers/rhizomes. Can stay out a bit longer for late flowers.
3. Bromeliads: Hardier types (e.g., Ermine) tolerate light frost; less hardy need greenhouse.

Eucomis (Pineapple Lily) Varieties

• Bi-color: Green flowers with maroon/purple edges and stem blotches.
• Elba: Greenish-white flowers.
• Formosa: Purple-spotted stem; pinkish-purple flowers; purple-striped leaves.

General Rules

• Greenhouse or conservatory for non-hardy plants.
• Keep barely moist; no fertilizer.
• Ventilate on mild days.

Timely action saves your investment and ensures vigorous spring regrowth.