Question
QUESTION: I live in Chicago and would like to grow shrubs (hydrangeas, etc.) and maybe some grasses in pots.  Will they last the winter & if so, what do I need to do to prepare them for the cold weather?  Thank you for your help.

ANSWER: Hi Susan,
Thanx for your question.  You may most definitely grow small trees and shrubs in pots.  I lived in Hawaii in several different condos and people had lots of stuff growing on the balconies and terraces.  The difference between Hawaii and Chicago is the weather.  Potted plants must be protected from Chicago's harsh, cold winter.  Try to place the pots in a place where they will not get the full effect of the north wind.  Trust me, I know about the northwind.  I am you neighbor in Kansas City and when that Alberta Clipper (Canadian north wind) comes down here, there is definitely hell to pay!  You can successfully grow trees and shrubs just keep the pots out of the direct north wind.  Also, go to your nursery and tell your nurseryperson what you are looking for.  Select plants that are a little hardier than what is recommended for your zone.  You're in zone 5 so look for shrubs that are definitely hardy in zone 5 but probably in zone 4 too.  This gives you added insurance. If you want me to do some research for you for specific grasses and hydrangeas that would be hardy in pots in Chicago let me know.  If so, I need to know if you are living in the 'burbs or are you in a high-rise apartment or an area that is going to be exposed to the north wind. Let me know.
thx,
Tom

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

QUESTION: Hello Tom - in follow up to my above question, I live in a neighborhood on the southside of Chicago with a small backyard - anything I plant in a container can be move to a protected area or into the garage if necessary, so if you have any knowledge of any trees, plants, shrubs, etc. that may be better suited than others for long term potting I would really appreciate it.  Thanks again.

Answer
Hi Susan,
Thanx for the additional information.  Basically, you can plant just about anything you want in the pots.  I would plant only trees, shrubs and perennial flowers rated to zone 5.  You Chicago nurseries will be full of those types of plants (plants hardy to your area).  You should trim and prune the trees and shrubs to keep them from outgrowing the pots.  Move the pots out of the direct north wind and this will help a lot in the winter.  Mugo pines and other low growing pines are great for large containers. Japanese maples are good for containers.  Paniculata hydrangeas, mock orange, rose-of-sharon, flowering quince and forsythia should perform well in a large container.  Perennial flowers for containers include purple coneflower, iris, coreopsis, dianthus, butterfly weed, hostas, delphinium, asters, chrysanthemums.  Try some four o'clocks.  They're not perennial in Illinois but they self-seed very well and as long as you don't disturb the container, they'll come back year after year.  I hope this helps.
Tom