Question
Sarracenia leucphylla x mitchelliana, venus flytraps, s. purpurea. outdoor habitat in clay pots sitting in ceramic or metal containers. Zone 6, with lots of wind. Past 6 years winterized in semi heated garage in west facing window with great success. Plants now evicted from winterizing site.
Only option is building a cold frame type situation next year (too many for fridge, no other structures suitable due to heat and lack of light options). Is cold frame an option for this zone? How do I handle potting situation-will pots freeze and crack? Suggestions for type of cold frames and direction/exposure?I don't want to give up plants next fall.

Answer
Hi Jeannette,

This is the type of cold frame that will probably work best for you: http://www.gardeners.com/buy/cedar-cold-frame/8587093.html  This one is a bit on the pricey side, and if you're handy with a saw and a drill driver you cold probably make your own very easily.  What this style does for you is give you great wind protection, and the ability to easily vent it in sunny weather.  If you have a bout of very cold weather you would want to have your plants in the cold frame, then bury them with pine straw or similar mulch.  They will usually handle the cold just fine, but they need protection from dehydration.

Ceramic pots will crack.  Even though they are often not as decorative, we often recommend plastic pots for this reason.

Since you are only trying to provide extra protection during dormancy, and not extend a growing season (like vegetables), face the cold frame North or East.  You don't want heat to build up in it during sunny weather since that can cause other problems.

Here's and article that could be helpful:  http://www.carnivorousplants.org/howto/GrowingEnvirons/BogOntarioCanada.php

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.growcarnivorousplants.com