Q.Would A New Astilbe Over-winter Well IN A CONTAINER . ( How About Heuchera….or Autumn Fern …? )
Is October the wrong month to buy an astilbe for a container on the north balcony ? Should it be protected from the cold winter ? New apartment..lots of space…no plants yet….any OTHER suggestions ?
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
You may want to wait till spring to plant perennials in containers. That would give them a summer to get well established before the next winter. Then when you are ready to buy, get plants that are hardy in two zones colder than you are. That will help protect them in winter. Plants in containers don't have much insulation unless you wrap them for winter.
If you want to add some green during winter, consider adding some evergreens in containers. Most are very hardy and shouldn't be a problem during winter. Here are some ideas:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/containers/evergreens-for-containers.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/flowering-shrubs-in-pots.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/japanese-maple/japanese-maples-in-containers.htm
