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Homes & Gardens advises gardeners to lift or move six frost-sensitive plants before the first hard frost and store each according to its needs. The report stresses that timing depends on local frost risk and that damp storage can cause rot; it also distinguishes tender tropical water lilies from hardier types.
Homes & Gardens has published guidance for lifting or moving six frost-sensitive plants before the first hard frost, outlining different winter storage methods for bulbs, rhizomes, evergreen plants and tropical water lilies. The advice is aimed at preventing freezing or rot and helping gardeners bring plants back into growth next season, though the right timing depends on local weather and soil conditions, as with tomato plants in September.
The report covers tuberose, pineapple lily, calla lily, agapanthus and tropical water lily, along with guidance that varies by plant type and winter conditions. For dormant bulbs and rhizomes, it recommends drying them and storing them in a cool, dry, frost-free place, using breathable bags, boxes or trays. The article says to remove loose soil and check stored material periodically for signs of rot or shriveling.
For tuberose (Agave amica, formerly Polianthes tuberosa), the report advises waiting until foliage yellows, then lifting and drying the bulbs in a warm, airy place before storage. Pineapple lily (Eucomis) bulbs should be lifted after foliage dies back in colder areas, while plants already in pots can be moved under cover and allowed to rest without leaving the compost waterlogged.
Calla lily rhizomes can remain outdoors in some mild regions if the soil drains freely, but the report recommends lifting or sheltering them where winters bring prolonged freezes. Agapanthus needs a different approach according to whether the variety is deciduous or evergreen: deciduous plants can be cut back after foliage dies, while evergreen types need a bright, sheltered location and sparing water, much like other garden plants chosen for fall. Tropical water lilies must be brought indoors in colder climates; the report distinguishes them from hardy water lilies, which can often remain in ponds.
Preventing Frost and Storage Damage
Getting the timing and storage conditions right can affect whether tender plants survive winter. Freezing temperatures can damage or kill plants that are not hardy in a gardener’s area, while excess moisture can cause bulbs or rhizomes to rot even when they are kept frost-free. The report’s practical emphasis is to match storage to the plant rather than treat every summer plant the same way.
That distinction matters especially for gardeners with mixed plantings or containers. A potted plant may be moved under cover instead of dug up, while evergreen plants may still need light and occasional water. Checking stored roots and containers about once a month, as the article’s author says they do, can help identify rot before it spreads. The guidance describes a potential way to protect plants for another season; it does not guarantee a particular display or survival rate.
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Different Plants Need Different Winter Care
The report’s recommendations reflect differences in hardiness, plant structure and drainage. Bulbs and rhizomes can generally be stored dormant after drying, whereas evergreen plants may need a bright, sheltered place and limited watering. A plant’s label and local climate are relevant: the article says calla lilies may overwinter outdoors in milder regions, while agapanthus care depends on whether the variety is deciduous or evergreen.
Soil conditions also affect the decision. The report notes that pineapple lilies can be vulnerable to wet winter soil, including in places where temperatures are not especially severe. It suggests breathable storage materials and labels to keep varieties separate, and says containers should not be left waterlogged. Its advice is seasonal guidance, not a forecast for any particular garden or a substitute for checking the plant’s specific needs.
“Your location, first-frost date, and winter soil drainage all matter.”
— Homes & Gardens report
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Local Frost Dates Set the Timing
The report does not give a single frost date that applies to all readers. First-frost timing varies by location, and the source does not provide region-specific forecasts or guarantee that a plant will survive storage. Gardeners should check local forecasts and confirm the hardiness and winter needs of the particular variety they have.
The supplied report text also ends partway through its instructions for tropical water lilies, so it does not establish the complete indoor storage method for their tubers. It confirms that tropical types cannot tolerate freezing and should be brought indoors in colder climates, while hardy water lilies are a separate group that can often stay in ponds. The precise steps for a given pond and plant remain unspecified here.
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Check Plants Before Frost Arrives
Gardeners should identify each plant and check its label before cutting back foliage or lifting roots. As temperatures fall, they can use local frost forecasts to decide when to move tender plants, then prepare dry, ventilated, frost-free storage for dormant bulbs and rhizomes. Container plants that can be sheltered should be moved to a suitable protected spot, with watering adjusted to the plant’s needs.
During winter, inspect stored plants and containers regularly for softness, rot or excessive drying. The report points to spring as the time to restart growth for stored tuberose bulbs in a warm, bright place, and to replant lifted pineapple lilies after hard freezes have passed. Exact schedules will depend on the local climate and the plant variety.
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Key Questions
Which plants does the report recommend lifting or sheltering?
It discusses tuberose, pineapple lily, calla lily, agapanthus and tropical water lily, with methods that vary by plant and climate. It also distinguishes tropical water lilies from hardy types, which can often stay in ponds.
When should I lift tender bulbs and rhizomes?
The report advises acting before freezing weather, with plant-specific cues such as waiting for foliage to yellow or die back. The timing depends on your local first-frost date; check local forecasts and the plant’s label.
How should dormant bulbs and rhizomes be stored?
After lifting, let them dry and store them in a cool, dry, frost-free place using breathable bags, boxes or trays. Check them periodically for rot or shriveling and avoid damp storage.
Can all water lilies stay in a pond over winter?
No. The report says tropical water lilies cannot tolerate freezing and should be brought indoors in colder climates. Hardy water lilies are a different group and can often remain in the pond; identify the type before deciding.
Source: rss
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