Putting potted plants to bed for the winter

[val douest]

This year I am determined to get organised before the first frost and to move my more tender outside potted plants to a warmer spot.  I know what to do with the pelargoniums but what should I do with the climbers/shrubs which have made a lot of top growth?  I have a potted passion flower which has covered a bamboo screen and a plumbago which has grown up a trellis.  Should I cut these right back or should I just remove the bits which are attached to their supports?  Once they are in a very sheltered place I gather they just need an occasional watering to stop them drying out.  Any help appreciated.

Thanks,

Val

[Âme]

I'm no expert but, like you, I am in 65... I leave potted & in ground passion flowers out in the frost and snow and they survive. Depends on the size & material of the pot as to how deeply the frost will penetrate.  You could insulate pots with straw, fleece or bubblewrap for better protection.

[Junlesley]

Fleece is much better than bubblewrap, bubblewrap tends to keep the moisture in and the plants rot, this year in the garden centres I saw fleece tubes to go over tomatoes so that would be good for your climbers.