Tender Perennials: A Guide to Care and Overwintering
What Are Tender Perennials?
Tender perennials are plants that come from warm climates and can’t handle cold winter temperatures. They add lush greenery and tropical flair to gardens, but they need special care to survive in cooler climates. Some popular tender perennials include begonias, calla lilies, and caladiums, which thrive in shady spots. Others, like rosemary, cilantro, and bay laurel, prefer sunny locations and well-draining soil.
Care for Tender Perennials
- Planting: Plant tender perennials in the garden in spring after the last frost.
- Watering: Keep the soil moist until the plants are established, then water and fertilize according to their specific needs. Tropical plants typically need weekly or biweekly watering, while Mediterranean plants don’t require much fertilizer.
- Pruning: Prune tender perennials as needed to remove dead or damaged growth and encourage new growth.
Overwintering Tender Perennials
In temperate climates, gardeners face a challenge in the fall: how to protect tender perennials from the cold. Here are some options:
- Growing as Annuals: This is the easiest solution for inexpensive plants and bulbs. Simply replant them every spring.
- Storing Indoors: This is a good option for more expensive or sentimental plants. Find a dry location with a temperature between 50 and 55°F (10-12°C) all winter.
- Digging Up Bulbs: After the foliage dies back, dig up bulbs, tubers, and corms. Trim off any remaining stems and cure them at room temperature for a few days. Then store them in open boxes filled with sand, peat moss, or vermiculite.
- Taking Cuttings: Take cuttings of non-bulbous plants in late summer and root them indoors. Cuttings take up less space than potted plants and often grow better when transplanted outdoors in spring.
- Using as Houseplants: Cut back tender perennials by about half and pot them up to use as indoor plants over winter.
Tips for Overwintering Specific Types of Tender Perennials
- Tropical Plants: These plants need high humidity and warm temperatures. Mist them regularly and keep them away from cold drafts.
- Mediterranean Plants: These plants prefer dry conditions and don’t need much water during the winter.
- Bulbs: Store bulbs in a cool, dry place with good air circulation.
- Non-Bulbous Plants: Overwinter these plants indoors as potted plants or take cuttings.
Benefits of Tender Perennials
Tender perennials add beauty and variety to gardens, providing lush foliage and vibrant flowers. They can also attract pollinators and beneficial insects. With proper care and overwintering techniques, you can enjoy these tropical delights in your garden year after year.
