Tropical Plants – Take Cover!

Many of us living in colder regions will soon see temperatures dip into the low 30’s. It’s time to giddy -up and rescue tropicals and tender ‘bulbs’ (technically some of these are not bulbs; they are corms, tubers or rhizomes) from frigid nights ahead (photo of a snowman my son made when he was a little boy).

Tropicals like Banana tree, Mandevilla, Bougainvillea, Shield plants (Alocasia), Elephant Ears (Colocasia) and Agapanthus can be brought inside and grown as a houseplant (make sure to spray them first with an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to kill any stowaway insects) or allowed to go dormant in a cool, dry place like the basement. Canna and Brugmansia are usually stored in a dormant state.

Tender ‘bulbs’ need to be dug and stored. These include Tuberous Begonias, Dahlias, Gladiolas and Caladiums. Wait until right after the first frost, dig, cut back foliage, remove soil from bulbs, allow to air dry for a few days and store in a cool, dry place. They can be stored in peat moss, vermiculite, newspaper, brown bags or onion bags. (pictured Dahlia ‘Mystic ‘Illusion’ with Verbena bonariensis taken on Mackinac Island)

My friend, Kathy LaLiberte, wrote a super, in-depth article on tips and tricks for overwintering tropical for Gardener’s Supply Company (pictured right Brugmansia from Gardener’s Supply Company). Check it out by clicking here. While on Gardener’s Supply’s site, check out the super summer clearance sale on cushions and outdoor furniture (plus lots of other incredible deals).

And remember to use your special Perennially Yours Promo Code – PYOURS16 – to receive 20% off of all ONLINE purchases, including clearance items!