Gardeners should inspect their pots and borders for delicate plants that could be harmed by the first frosts as temperatures begin to fall. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has warned that susceptible varieties may need to be relocated to a frost-free location or lifted for winter storage.
While the weather can stay mild in parts of the UK well into November, moving the appropriate plants under cover before temperatures drop can help to shield them from the cold. Doing so can give them a greater chance of coming back next spring.
Pelargoniums and tender fuchsias
Pelargoniums, frequently sold as tender geraniums, are well-loved summer bedding plants, recognised for their vibrant flower clusters and extended flowering period. However, despite their ability to withstand dry conditions, they are not frost-hardy and can be damaged or killed if left outside when temperatures drop below freezing.
The RHS has urged gardeners to bring these plants indoors or into a light, frost-free space for winter, making them among the first varieties to consider before November. Before moving them inside, remove dead flowers and damaged leaves, and check the compost for excess moisture.
Fuchsias are a firm favourite for summer containers and hanging baskets, producing distinctive, drooping flowers in shades of pink, purple, red and white. However, tender varieties require protection from freezing temperatures to survive until the next growing season. The RHS states that tender fuchsias should be kept over winter in a frost-free spot, such as a greenhouse, conservatory or suitable indoor growing area.
Citrus trees and tender begonias
Lemon, lime and orange trees can lend a Mediterranean touch to patios and gardens, but many citrus plants grown in containers are susceptible to cold snaps. A sudden dip in temperature can damage the foliage and weaken the plant, especially if it is young or already under stress. The RHS advises overwintering citrus plants in a cool conservatory where temperatures remain even, with a bright, cool space generally preferable.
Begonias can add a burst of vivid colour to summer beds, pots and hanging baskets, but tender varieties are at risk when autumn temperatures begin to drop. Tuberous begonias, in particular, can be saved from one year to the next by lifting and storing their underground tubers. The RHS recommends lifting tender tuberous plants for winter storage rather than leaving them exposed to freezing conditions.
Tropical hibiscus care
Tropical hibiscus is prized for its large, striking blooms and glossy leaves, making it a stunning feature in any garden. However, it is a tender plant and can often not survive the UK weather. The RHS lists this plant among those best suited to a conservatory kept at around 10°C.
Before bringing the plant indoors, check the leaves and stems for pests, remove any dead growth and ensure the pot drains properly. Hibiscus plants may shed their leaves as they adapt to a shift in their environment, but this doesn't necessarily mean the plant is on its way out. Gardeners should try to keep conditions as consistent as possible and keep a close eye on them.
