Question
I have a potted clematis stored on my ubheated enclosed back porch (Ohio).  How can I protect it from freezing on the porch? How do I best store it on the porch? Is it too late to put it in the ground?  How will I know it is time to put it outside again, if it survives the winter?  I also have a potted lilac that I removed from the garden at home where I once lived.  How do I store it over winter so that I can plant it in the spring?  Thanks

Answer
Hi Jone,
 If the ground where you live is not frozen then it is OK to plant the clematis and lilacs now.Put some bone meal in the bottom of the hole-be sure to dig a big enough hole so the dirt is loosened around the plant for about 1'. Water them well after planting and put mulch (shredded leaves or just leaves) around the base of each.
 The clematis should be cut to about 4".  
 When it starts to get springtime and warmer water both with some "root stimulant" added to the water.

Sijka