Posted on Dec 7, 2023 at 4:02 pm by James T
Winter is approaching and with it comes the cold. Balcony owners then wonder which plants they should bring indoors during this cold period. Balconies and terraces offer difficult conditions for plants, as they are very exposed to bad weather, especially to the wind that cools and weakens them.
In addition, the transition between outdoors and indoors could cause a thermal shock in certain species that are not accustomed to these sudden temperature changes. We will give you some advice on which plants should be brought indoors, those that can withstand the cold, and how to protect your plants from the rigors of winter.
Table of Contents
Plants to bring indoors:
It is important to mention that it is not necessary to bring all your plants indoors. However, some of them need additional shelter to withstand the cold:
- Papyrus: this tropical plant likes heat and humidity, so it is best to bring it indoors during winter.
- Lantanas: lantanas do not tolerate low temperatures. It is therefore recommended to bring them indoors if you live in an area where temperatures regularly drop below zero. Sharing our articles directly contributes to our growth and our ability to remain free.
Bulbs to plant in autumn:
Bulbs planted in autumn, such as tulips or daffodils, should be left outdoors as they will start to sprout from February-March. It is important not to bring them indoors to avoid any disruption in their natural growth cycle.
Plants that can stay outdoors:
Some plants manage to survive the winter without any problems, so it is not necessary to shelter them. Here are some examples:
- Olive trees: despite its Mediterranean origin, the olive tree can withstand slightly negative temperatures. However, if you live in a colder region, it is best to protect it with mulch.
- Lavender: lavender can tolerate temperatures down to -10°C. Moderate protection and good drainage are sufficient for this plant to survive the winter.
- Strawberry tree: this tree also withstands the cold well, but requires adequate protection for its roots (mulching).
How to protect your plants from the cold:
There are several techniques to protect your plants during winter:
- Mulch: Mulching helps protect the roots of plants from the cold. Use organic materials such as dead leaves, wood chips, or straw to cover the roots and maintain a milder temperature.
- Place your plants near a wall: placing your plant pots near a wall will protect them from the wind and cold by creating a slightly warmer microclimate.
- Elevate your pots: elevating terracotta pots helps keep them away from the ground, which is a source of cold and additional moisture.
- Create a natural barrier: use cold-resistant shrubs or bamboo around your sensitive plants to create a better protected space from the elements.
In summary
It is not always necessary to bring your plants indoors during winter, but certain species, such as papyrus and lantanas, will appreciate this additional protection against the cold. Also, make sure to follow our advice to protect those that will remain outdoors so that they can survive the low temperatures. That’s how you can maintain your balcony garden throughout the year!
