Question
I have 4 spikes that I used as centers in step floral arrangements. The flowers died, they were annuals. But my spikes stayed green for the longest time, but leaving them outside in fall and winter the leaves turned brown. Is there any chance in saving them for this season?

Answer
Shirley,
These spikes are dracaenas. They are not hardy through a frost so if it's gone below freezing this winter where you are I'm afraid that they are dead. In the future, however, you can dig these up at the end of the season, pot them up and bring them into the house. They do well as house plants over the winter and will be even larger for use in your containers the next year. And here's a tip to make this easier: When you buy the little pots of spikes this spring, pot them into plastic pots that are about 6" across and 6 to 8" deep. Be sure those pots have drainage holes and don't put any rocks, shards or other stuff at the bottom of the pots...only potting soil. Then plant these, pot and all, into the center of your mixed-annuals containers. In the fall you can just lift these pots of spikes out of your container, wipe off the outsides of the pots, and bring them indoors for the winter. Enjoy!