Question
QUESTION: I live in Connecticut on the border of zone 5/6.
This year I planted some bleeding hearts, both red and white in very large pots and they did outstanding.  They set seed, I cut them back and now they are blooming again!  
My question is, can I leave the pots outdoors in the winter or will it kill the plants?
The pots are large and very heavy and difficult to move.  I'd prefer to leave them out if it wont damage them.  If they need to be sheltered is an unheated garage ok, or do they actually need to be indoors?  Thank you.

ANSWER: Hi Lisa,
Thanx for your question.  Your bleeding hearts should be okay depending upon how severe your winters are.  Sometimes, plants kept in pots outdoors don't do well in colder zones of zones 5, 4 and 3.  Keep pots out of the cold north wind which would be the best way to keep the roots from getting too cold.  Bleeding hearts are pretty tough and survive some pretty cold temperatures.  I think in Connecticut, they will be okay as long as you keep the pots protected from the north wind.  You definitely don't want to move the pots indoors because bleeding hearts require a cold period of dormancy in the winter.  I really don't think you need to move them into the garage.  I hope this helps.
Tom

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for answering my question so quickly.  The plants are facing west, so the northern wind shouldn't be a problem.  Would it help if I covered each pot with an old blanket for added protection?

I have a second question that I hope you can answer.  I'd like to grow some tree roses in pots, is that possible?  I've never done this before but have 2 very large ceramic pots and would like to grow tree roses in them.  Will they grow in pots?  They are LARGE pots, so planting at proper depth with plenty of room for roots is not a problem.  If this will work, then I have similar questions as the bleeding hearts - will they need to be brought into the garage or indoors during the winter?

Thank you again.

ANSWER: Hi Lisa,
Thanx for the follow-up.  In general, I wouldn't use the blanket.  Just mulch the pot with some cypress chips or leaves or straw an that should be fine.  As far as the roses go.  I think they would probably be okay in the pots but I'd rather you ask our rose experts here on Allexperts.  You would need to make sure the tree roses are reliably hardy for your area as some are not as hardy as others.  You might want to check with your local Master Gardener group or County Extension agent.  If you give me your county, I can get that information for you.  If you want to consult with one of our Rose experts please go to Home/Garden and under gardening click on Roses and then Click on Roses again.  I hope this helps.
Tom

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Tom:

Again, thank you for the very professional and quick reply.  Yes, I would like information on the local Master Gardener group or County Extension agent in my area.  I live in Hartford County.

Lisa

Answer
Hi Lisa,
Here's a link to Hartford County Extension office of the University of Connecticut.  If you'll scroll down to the bottom there is contact info there for the Master Gardeners.  I hope this helps.
Tom

http://www.extension.uconn.edu/pages/department/hartford/hartford_programs.html