Pansies are extremely popular this time of year. Pansies like cold weather but only if they are already in the ground. With lows in the 20s on the way, above ground roots can freeze.
"If you have pansies above ground in your driveway or anything, and you haven't had time to plant them yet, you should probably move them inside your garage or inside a shelter or even put some straw or pine straw on top," explained nursery owner Scott Thomas.
Thomas also hears a lot of seasonal questions about hibiscus plants. Tropical versions die in the cold. Perennial versions go dormant and come back in the spring.
You can tell what variety you have by the leaves. The tropical version is dark green and waxy.Don'tleave the tropical variety out.
Most azaleas will do well even though some have started blooming.
"That flower is fully open. But as long as you have a lot of good buds down inside...that bud will open in the spring," Thomas said.
Thomas says above all else, wait until spring to do any more fertilizing or pruning on bushes and other small plants.
"The last thing you want to do this time of year is promote new growth," Thomas said. "It's starting to get cold. We're getting into winter, and all that new growth is going to die back, and you could really hurt the plant."
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