Topic: Pelargoniums and verbena

[Paulines7]

I have some pelargoniums in my borders which I would like to keep for next year.  They are looking really good and it would be a shame to disturb them.   Should I dig them out now or leave them for another month keeping my fingers crossed that any advance frost warning gives me enough time to get them out then?  Of course it depends as well whether I hear the warning.   ::)

I also have some beautifully coloured verbena plants that I grew from seeds.  Is it possible to overwinter them too?

[Georgie]

Hi Pauline.  If the Pelargoniums are looking good I'd be inclined to leave them where they are for now but have some fleece handy to put over them should you get a particularly chilly night.  I kept mine out all last winter (cut back) and they survived, but as I've said many times before I have a fairly sheltered London garden.  I'm not sure about the Vebena though, sorry.  I've only ever grown an annual type.

G x

[star]

You can but try Pauline, I have a selection from a hanging basket, of what we grow as annuals here, in the greenhouse. Plectanthrus, Petunia, Pelargoniums and Fuschia, Bacopa and somat else. Its worth a go as I have nothing else in there over winter.

Will find out if it was worth it or not in spring ;)

[Paulines7]

Thanks very much for your replies.  I will leave the pelargoniums a bit longer then. 

The verbena I am growing is an annual but I had one in a pot outside which overwintered for several years though it looked scruffy in the end and I got rid of it.  I think I will dig a couple of my favourites up with the geraniums and see if I can keep them flowering indoors as they are so pretty.

[valmarg]

You could take cuttings of your verbena, to overwinter.  I find they root very easily.
Whilst they are advertised as annuals, if we have a mild Winter they could survive.  By taking cuttings you 'belt and brace'.

valmarg