Question
Hi Will,
I have three large hortense in pots in my garden.
Should I bring them in in the winter months?  Will they grow again next year if I leave them in the pots in the garden?  
I also have some geraniums in pots outside.  Would I have to bring them in during the winter months?
Thank you for your help.
Best Regards,
Jane

Answer
Hi Jane,

Hortensia or Hydrangea macrophylla can be grown outside in the ground in Zones 5 - 10. However, the potted varieties are often greenhouse grown hybrids that are more tender than those grown outside. You probably have the latter.

When temps drop to 40 degrees in the fall bring your Hydrangeas back inside to a cool location. Reduce water until January. In January prune it back to the lowest buds and resume water and provide good light to start the bloom cycle over again. January is the time to repot, but only if it is very potbound. Overpotted plants rarely bloom. With proper pruning, it will not become much larger each year.

Geraniums are generally hardy in Zones 5 to 6, but again the potted hybrids are probably best brought inside for the winter. They should be locate in a sunny window and allowed to dry out some, but never completely, during the winter months. Don't repot or fertilize during the winter. Unless you have lots of sun, they tend to become leggy and don't flower much during the winter. In the spring, prune them back hard before moving them back outside.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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