As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, many UK gardeners find themselves wondering how best to protect their beloved plants from winter’s chill. Some plants can tough it out in the garden, but others—particularly those native to warmer climates—are better off spending the colder months indoors.
Bringing plants inside not only shields them from frost, but it can also help them thrive for another growing season. Here’s a guide to the best plants to bring indoors over winter, ensuring they survive and come back strong in spring.
1. Tender Perennials
Tender perennials are plants that live for more than two years but cannot withstand freezing temperatures. Some popular examples include:
- Geraniums (Pelargoniums): While geraniums can endure a bit of cold, freezing temperatures will harm their delicate leaves. Bringing them inside helps keep them green and allows them to bloom earlier in the following year.
- Fuchsias: Known for their showy, bell-shaped flowers, fuchsias struggle in cold UK winters. Move them to a cool but frost-free area like a conservatory or an unheated room.
- Begonias: Begonias are frost-sensitive and must be moved indoors before the first frost. Many gardeners store the tubers of tuberous begonias in a dry place over winter to replant in spring.
2. Tropical Plants
Tropical plants thrive in warm, humid conditions and are not accustomed to the UK’s cold climate. These plants will suffer, or even die, if exposed to frost, so they need to be moved indoors when temperatures drop.
- Orchids: These stunning flowers are especially sensitive to cold. Place them in a bright spot indoors but away from direct heat sources such as radiators, which can dry them out.
- Banana Plants: Although they create a tropical feel in the summer garden, banana plants are not cold-hardy. If grown in pots, bring them inside before the temperature drops below 10°C. For larger varieties grown in the ground, consider wrapping the stem in insulating materials if moving them is impractical.
- Citrus Trees: Lemon, lime, and orange trees love warmth and sun, but the UK winter can be far too harsh for them. Citrus trees should be kept in a cool, well-lit room. Reduce watering during the winter months, as their growth will slow down.
3. Mediterranean Herbs
Many Mediterranean herbs, such as rosemary and thyme, can handle some cold, but prolonged freezing temperatures can kill them off, especially when they are young or in containers.
- Basil: Basil is particularly sensitive to cold and will suffer at the first sign of frost. If you want to keep this aromatic herb going, bring it indoors and place it in a sunny window.
- Lemon Verbena: Though it can go dormant in colder months, lemon verbena won’t survive prolonged frost. Bringing it indoors keeps it alive and allows it to reawaken in the spring.
4. Succulents and Cacti
Succulents and cacti are resilient plants, but those kept outside need to be brought in when winter sets in. Although they are drought-tolerant, these plants often hail from arid regions that do not experience the same cold snaps as the UK.
- Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is easy to maintain indoors, and it can suffer if left outside during freezing temperatures. Place it in a sunny spot and water sparingly over winter.
- Echeveria: These rosette-forming succulents are prone to root rot if exposed to the cold and wet conditions typical of a UK winter. Like aloe vera, they should be moved to a bright indoor spot, but make sure the soil is well-draining and not too damp.
5. Tropical Houseplants
Some houseplants are often moved outdoors during the warmer months, but they must be brought back inside before temperatures start to drop below 10°C. These include:
- Peace Lilies: While peace lilies can cope with the cooler weather, frost will cause significant damage. Bring them inside to a warm, well-lit room, and they’ll continue to brighten your space throughout winter.
- Spider Plants: These low-maintenance plants thrive indoors, but some gardeners like to give them a summer holiday outside. Be sure to bring them back indoors before the first frost.
Tips for Overwintering Plants Indoors
Once you’ve decided which plants to bring indoors, there are a few key steps to help them transition smoothly from the garden to the comfort of your home:
- Check for pests: Before bringing any plants inside, check them thoroughly for pests. Insects like aphids and spider mites can hitch a ride indoors, where they can multiply quickly.
- Adjust watering: Plants will grow more slowly indoors due to reduced light levels, so they won’t need as much water as they do in the summer. Overwatering is a common mistake and can lead to root rot, so let the soil dry out between waterings.
- Provide adequate light: Indoor light levels are lower than outdoor light, especially during the shorter winter days. Place your plants in the brightest windows, and if necessary, supplement with grow lights.
Bringing plants indoors over winter not only protects them from the elements but can also give your home a touch of greenery during the colder months. By taking care to overwinter your plants properly, you’ll help ensure they flourish again once spring returns.
