Can anyone recommend any plants that I can buy and keep in pots outdoors that will survive the winter in the here (Philly)?

Maybe an evergreen that does well in a pot?

Also looking for any plants that will come back next year, again potted or window box.
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No horticulturists here I guess. :-)
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We live northeast of the city, and we bring in all of our plants. I'm guessing you could go with any number of small perennials. Are you looking for something that looks good during the winter too, or something that will survive it?
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Hardy plants are not my specialty living in so. cal. I'd suggest asking at the local garden center. I like Oriental poppies and Toad lillies (Tricyrtus). It depends on your exposure (sun/shade) and pot size. Wisteria may be a good choice if you have a big enough pot. You may want to check out these links:
http://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/200..._sun_and_shade

http://www.bbg.org/gar2/topics/desig...wintering.html
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Just something that will survive, looking good is a bonus. We can't bring them in b/c our cats destroy plants for some reason.

Thanks, I'll check those out. We have a lot of sun on our deck. I don't mind a big pot or two.
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http://www.okokchina.com/product/Art...tificial-Tree/

:-)
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If it gets down to or below freezing, very few plants will survive in pots because the pots are above ground and exposed to the wind and cold more. The roots will freeze, killing anything in the plants. Or worse, those expensive pots will shatter.

Really if you live anywhere that's in the colder climate zones in this country, I think you're almost SOL for potted plants unless you want to invest in a heated greenhouse and other expensive things to help keep your plants alive. We don't grow anything potted on the farm in Ohio unless it's small enough to be moved into the garage during the winter (gas heated garage).
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How about growing bulbs and putting the bulbs in the garage for the winter?
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Off the top I'd say give "winter petunias" a shot. I don't normally put them in pots but have a few times placed in window boxes. And they did okay there though not as well as in the ground. Could be that I don't water in the winter so most likely didn't water them until they showed distress.

They are on the less expensive side - so if it doesn't work out you haven't spent a whole lot.


Ron
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