Winter care of exotic plants

Make sure these beauties are protected, says Ruth

- Ruth Hayes

AS the temperatures drop it’s time to protect exotic canna lilies, dahlias, agapanthus and bananas. Most need substantial protection, whether they are left in the ground, lifted and moved into a frost-free greenhouse or, if potted, mulched and moved against a sheltered wall or into the greenhouse.

Evergreen agapanthus are less hardy than deciduous varieties, but can be protected with a thick mulch of straw or chippings over the roots. Potted plants can be moved to shelter, mulched and wrapped in fleece or bubble wrap.