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How to Winterize Potted Plants

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published December 20, 2024

Winterizing your potted plants helps them survive the cold months, as their roots face lower temperatures and rapid changes. With the right steps, you can protect your plants from frost damage and keep them healthy. This article will show you how to winterize potted plants.

Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

Preparation Stage

Before you start learning how to winterize potted plants, some extra preparation is necessary.

Identify the Hardiness Level of Your Plants

Identifying the hardiness level will help you determine whether to shift the plant inside or not. 

  • Cold-hardy plants such as pansies, lavender and junipers can withstand frost and lower temperatures.
  • Tender plants like succulents, tropical plants and herbs like basil should be brought indoors, as they struggle to survive in freezing temperatures.

Here is a table to help you decide the hardiness of different plants that are commonly used at home.

A table showing the hardiness, cold tolerance & ideal wintering temperature of common house plants.

Choose a Location for Winterization

A good location is crucial to protect your plants. Identify a sheltered area where the plants can be shielded from harsh winds and extreme temperatures, such as a garage, basement or a spot near the house walls for added insulation.

Steps to Winterize Outdoor Potted Plants

For the plants that cannot be shifted inside, we need to winterize them properly outside so they can endure the cold climate. Here is how to protect outdoor potted plants in winter.

Steps to Winterizing Plants Indoors

For certain plants, bringing them indoors is the best way to keep them safe from winter's chill. Here’s how to create an indoor environment that meets your plants’ needs.