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Followup To

Question -
THe locals call these huge leaved plants, (that seem not to flower) Elephant ears, the resemblance is uncanny.But I don't know what to look it up under! Any hoo, my mother in law says I need to bring it in for the winter, apparently, she does, but I see many yards with HUGE Elephant ears, that are not being brought in now that the weather is turning, how do I know if I have to bring it in?   (I moved into my grandmother's country home almost 3 years ago, to care for her, and felt she would enjoy more garden in her yard, but am finding that although it is a love second to none, it is also easy to move right along without a clue, and I am now buyinng bulbs, and such from catalogs, and really need to get a clue before I kill hard earned money. Sorry for rambling, I don't get to talk about this passion much. Thanks for any info you can give me.

Answer -
Hello Colette,

Could you please tell me what hardiness zone you live in?

Thank you,
Angie

Hi, Angie, I am in Fleetwood, PA, and I believe I am in Zone 6.

Answer
Hello Collette,

The material I have found is also very conflicted.

Your bulbs will likely overwinter just fine if the planting area receives a large amount of snow to insulate from temp. flucuations.
Called "micro climate" gardening...you are given the opportunity to grow outside of your zone because of shelter from winds, leaf and snow piles, warm piping along your fountation, ect...

I would encourage you to look at the enviroment that you have them planted in and take all this in consideration.

Also, don't be afraid to experiment...bring some in and leave some out. Most of all just understand that by leaving them ouside you are walking the line. If a cold winter hits without much snow, you will likely loose them.

Hope this answers you question,
Angie