What Annual Plants Can One Bring Indoors for the Winter?

Annuals are plants that complete their cycle of life in just one year. Often, this is because the plant cannot survive freezing temperatures. In fact, some plants are considered annuals in temperate climates because of this, while in warmer climates they may be considered perennials. Home gardeners that live in climates with freezing winter temperatures may choose to bring their annuals indoors until the spring.

Geraniums are desirable for their bright-colored clusters of flowers and attractive foliage. Some species and cultivars even have scented foliage. These flowers thrive in cool weather, but are frost-sensitive. Before bringing geraniums indoors, cut them back by about one-third. If they aren't already in a container, dig them up and place them in a pot with drainage holes. The pot should be at least 6 inches in diameter. Then, water thoroughly and place the geranium in a sunny windowsill. Geraniums like full sun, so give it as much light as possible, but don't let it get overheated. Temperatures around 65 F are ideal. Water the plant when the soil feels dry to the touch.

Impatiens are desirable annuals primarily for the fact that they will bloom in the shade. This makes them ideal for indoor use, where light levels are often lower than outdoors. Like all annuals brought indoors, impatiens should first be inspected for insect pests. Treat them with an insecticide if necessary a few days before you bring the plants inside. When they are insect-free, pinch them down to about one-third of their original height, then bring them in and locate them where they will receive bright but indirect sunlight.

Fibrous begonias have roots that are easily transplanted, which makes it simple to put them in containers for the winter. Like geraniums, these plants display clusters of colorful flowers. Begonias, however, spread quickly and can become quite large. For that reason, it's best to bring in dwarf cultivars. Again, as with most other annuals, trim them back and place them where they will receive the maximum amount of sunlight.

Fuschia plants flower with showy blooms that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. They are often grown in hanging baskets. It is difficult to keep fuschias blooming indoors, but they can be brought inside and coaxed to settle into a dormant state. To do this, place the plant in a cool, dark location that has steady temperatures of between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit; a basement or garage might be ideal. Water only once a month. In February, bring it indoors and place it in a sunny window. The more light it gets at this point, the better. Prune it back to half its original size, then bring it outdoors once the threat of frost is over.