Log in

View Full Version : overwintering of plants


fklapwijk
10-11-2009, 01:00 PM
We have a beautiful garden right now and we are experiencing a longer summer at the west coast, Vancouver, BC.
The garden is still full of flowers and it is a pitty to weed them out.
At night the first frost came in last night so I can see the writing on the wall right now.


Begonias. tubulars (cut the tops of and dry tehm out and put them in a paper bag? in a cool place?)

What is the best way to overwinter geraniums??

I've boganvillas (purple and red)
The boganvillas I bring in, the flowers wilter and also the leafs and I remove all the leafs and put the plant in a south side window, how do you bring the plant back out in the spring? the new leafs always get burned and becomes silvery and fall off, I've have to get the second leafs before the plant start blooming that is around late July.

Lantana, bush (pink and white) and a tree (multi color.)
I bring it in with the Boganvillas. take all leafs off. cut back to 1/3.
Same problem when I bring the Lantana's out in the spring. the leafs get burned and it looks like it will die and then new leafs comes up and new flowers, how can I let these flowers inside the house. like a green house.

I know I ask alot.
Thanks

Ferdinand
:waving:
Sunny BC

CValentine
10-11-2009, 01:43 PM
Welcome Ferdinand!

I wish I could help with the specific problems you're having in overwintering those plants.
There are many great members here who I'm sure can help you out!!

Good to have you with us here!! Zone 8a, Central Texas!! ~Cheryl

Christine1950
10-11-2009, 02:53 PM
I can give advice for geraniums, I've over wintered mine for the past 5 years. I give them a major cutting and put them on a cold window sill and water lightly once a month til spring. If they do start to grow to soon I snip off the new growth til at least March.
Hope that helps :>)
Christine

Ueberwinden
10-11-2009, 03:07 PM
Ferdinand,

As for the Bougainvillea, you will probably get at least a mild leaf drop once they are brought in. In the Spring you must get them adjusted to the stronger light. I keep mine inside the house because they will not do well if the temps go below 50 degrees. The same thing goes for my Hibiscus.

Michael

sandy0225
10-11-2009, 04:13 PM
If the leaves turn silvery after you bring them outdoors, then you are sunburning them. Put them outside in a very shady, sheltered place where they are not in wind for at least a week before moving them into more sunny locations to give the leaves a chance to adjust to outdoors. Indoor leaves don't have as much of a waxy coating that protects the leaves from the sun.
Just like you shouldn't go from indoors all winter to lying on the beach all day long in Florida on the first day of vacation!

saltydad
10-11-2009, 06:15 PM
All good advice above ^, Ferdinand. I'd add that I learned through bitter experience that bougainvilleas will invariably drop their leaves when I move them inside (don't ask how many I threw away before I learned this). I leave my lantanas outside and replace them in the spring, as it seems they always bring in white-fly for me even with spraying. I hate this time of year. Hey Cassie, any room? :ha:

Eric
10-12-2009, 01:02 PM
Welcome aboard, Fklapwijk :) ! Wow, interesting name, eh? Okay.... Fraid flowers are more my mom's department but sounds like you're getting lots of great advice already!
It's a very friendly & info-packed site with lots of info on all kinds of flowers, tropicals, and subtropical plants. If ya have any questions about using the forum, just ask.
Enjoy!

fklapwijk
10-12-2009, 01:31 PM
Thanks for the speedy reply good people.
Sandy that is exactly what I'm planning to do next year, I was gona do it this year but when I came home my wife Virginia already moved it in the sun.

I don't get mildew on my Lantana's at all and one is a 6' tree, but I take all the leafs of as soon as the flowering is finished.
I also shape the tree and/or bushes the way I want them to look when the new leafs comes in. I've no problem overwintering the Lantana's but hey loose there first leafs when I bring them out side. I will do what Sandy advise to bring them gradually from one spot to another so they can adjust to the light and later the bright sun.

I will try the geraniums the way you overwinter them Christine.

cherokee_greg
10-13-2009, 01:31 AM
welcome from California