Question
Thank you, Mr. Orosco, for your time. I s that I'm not in your zone, so please feel free to re-direct me as needed. I am in North GA and have several plants outside in containers. I would like to know which, if any, I can leave outside,should bring inside, or (sniff) give up on once it gets too cold for them here.

Pentas, plumbago, lantana, portulaca, begonia, kalanchoe, and gardenia. I believe I know the answer about a couple of these. But I would be foolish to pit my layman's knowledge (sketchy at best) against an expert's!!

Thanks again for your time. I look forward to your answer.  

Answer
Dear Vicky,
Your Idea of having these plants in containers is a great one. You have all the benefits of these beautiful plants, with the option of moving them as you see fit. With regards to bringing them in the house or garage, this is only a good idea if there is light for them. I抳e read your question and here is my answer:

Pentas: usually don抰 fare well in the dead of winter. Most people either remove them or cut them back to wait for spring when they once again begin to flourish.

Plumbago:  Is fairly hardy and can survive up to about 10 degrees.  They most likely will look a bit ragged so a good pruning when this happens will most likely be a good idea.

Lantana: is prized for its ability to survive on very little water and being a butterfly attractant.  For long winters it will die back to very low looking bush, but will come back stronger than ever in warmer months.

Portulaca: considered a succulent it will be frost tolerant if not newly planted. The plants will slowdown in growth so pruning is a good option.

Begonia: are native to Hawaii. As you might have guessed they cannot survive the frost of winter. This plant would be great to bring in the house near a window where it would be spared the cold and given light.

Kalanchoe: This plant is another succulent that will grow just about anywhere. Kalanchoe can survive some cold snaps, but not for prolonged time. Moving inside next to the Begonia is a good idea.

Gardenia: They make a great houseplant and are another plant that might not survive the extreme winter. However there is a frost-proof variety specially bred to bloom even in prolonged cold snaps.

Let me know if I you need more information, I抣l be more than glad to help.
Coach Dave
揑抦 a Home Depot Store Associate, trained and authorized to help people on the Internet.?