When to Cover Potted Plants (honeysuckle and clematis)

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mnmom4 Monticello, United States Oct 27, 2019

So, I have two plants: a clematis and a honeysuckle vine growing in pots that I want to overwinter. I am in MN - zone 4. Last year, I tried to place the pots on the ground by the house - but the rabbits and whatever else, got into the pots and ate the plants and they did not survive. (whatever animal(s) it was, was also using the pots to sleep in...you could see where they make beds in the pots)
So, this year, I want to keep them up on the deck. I can put them right up by the house on the deck. And I was thinking I could insulate with leaves and wrap burlap around them. (Each pot has an obelisk for the plant to grow on.) My questions are:
1. Should I do any pruning before wrapping? (even though it's Oct. 27 - the honeysuckle still has blooms on it, but the leaves are yellowing and falling)
2. WHEN should I wrap? It's freezing at night, but still above freezing during the day. Should I wait until most nights/days are freezing? Or should I wrap now?
3. Should I wrap the ENTIRE plant up to the top? Or should I just wrap and insulate the pot and the base of the plant and leave the tops exposed to the elements?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. These vines brought me and the birds, bees, and butterflies a lot of joy this summer. And I really want them to survive the Minnesota winter! Thanks!

Post #10453791
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kolomikta Somerville, MA Dec 20, 2019

I don't think wrapping the plants will work. Potted plants die over the winter because the pots do not contain enough soil to insulate the roots. Wrapping the plants won't change that. Plants aren't like humans -- they don't produce heat, so wrapping them will not keep them warm. Unless you can temporarily plant them in the ground over the winter, they are likely to die.

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