Overwintering library
Which plants come indoors for winter? Fewer than you think.
Stay outside all winter (5,297)
Properly hardy — mulch the crown, tidy the dead growth, and otherwise leave them alone. Many need the cold to flower well next year.
Must come indoors (3,848)
Frost-tender. Bring them in before the first frost, give them the brightest spot you have, and cut watering right back.
Need a frost-free spot (1,794)
Take cool but not freezing. An unheated greenhouse, porch or garage is ideal — cool and bright beats warm and dim.
Outside with protection (592)
Survive outdoors in mild areas but want mulch, a sheltered wall, or fleece on the worst nights.
Elephant earDahliaFalse shamrockLemon verbenaBay laurelBlue Star FernCreeping figCalamondin orangeColocasia 'Black Magic'Colocasia 'Mojito'Beefsteak BegoniaTurquoise PuyaDesert BromeliadShield SundewCrystal ButterwortDrooping SpleenwortCommon Maidenhair FernCretan Brake FernHeart-leaved BlechnumGolden Tree FernChin CactusEmory's Barrel CactusWheel CactusBolivian Torch Cactus
Grown as annuals (156)
Nothing to overwinter — they finish naturally at the end of the season. Save seed or take cuttings instead.