Cut back foliage 2 to 3 inches
Fall is the time to think about digging out any annual bulbs you may have. These include cannas, gladiolas, elephant ears and dahlias. They are a wonderful, showy addition to your containers and borders summer and fall, but simply cannot survive the prolonged freezing temperatures of winter.
When to Store Tender Plants
For flowers such as dahlias, cannas, elephant ears and gladiolas, wait until frost knocks down the leaves or the leaves turn yellow. Bulbs can be a significant investment so preserving plants can be worth your time.
The Storing Process
- Cut back to 2-3 inches high.
- Dig up the bulbs and shake off the dirt as much as you can.
- Spread out on newspaper to let them dry a day or two.
- Place bulbs in a plastic storage container and cover with peat moss or a cloth.
- Store where the temperature will be about 40 to 50 degrees. (Unheated basement is usually ideal or a garage if it doesn’t freeze).
- Moisten the bulbs several times during the winter months but avoid keeping them constantly wet or they will rot.
Cannas can be air dried in a warm spot for 1-2 weeks. Canna roots do not require covering; they can simply be placed in a box. The roots are best stored at 45-50 degrees.
Banana trees and other large tropical plants are best stored over the winter in a pot with soil. Place the pot in a cool room out of direct sun and give it a bit of water occasionally. Many people never plant in the ground, but rather move the container in and outdoors.
For the Record – Not Everyone Digs Up and Saves Bulbs
Many homeowners don’t have the time or the temperament to do this messy chore. Another reason they skip this ritual is that they don’t have a heated storage space required to give these bulbs a rest and prevent them from drying out over the winter. Some people
simply treat them as throwaways and repurchase if they want to duplicate the same type of planting.
Whether it’s a small landscape maintenance project like doing a fall clean-up, or a larger project like a design/build project, Whitehouse Landscaping has the experience and the expertise to get it done for you. Request a free consultation or give us a call at 484-300-4290 to learn more about how we can help you with your next outdoor project.