I Have Three Tropical Hibiscus Trees, A Ficus, A Tropical…
Julene Asked
I have three tropical hibiscus trees, a ficus, a tropical
palm, and four large Kimberly Queen ferns that I have successfully wintered for three years myself in our basement. However, this winter we will be finishing our basement, so I am interested in paying a greenhouse to store and care for them until spring. Do you know of any local greenhouses who do that? I have a friend in Lexington who has had that type of service for several years now.
The Gardener’s Answer
Hello, Julene: Kitty’s on Highway 22 was the only place in Louisville that offered this service. Unfortunately, they are no longer in business. Professional growers do not usually offer this as an option because of the risk of insect and disease problems, both from a grower’s standpoint as well as the client’s. A greenhouse is a wonderful environment for insects to survive the winter. Your plants may go in healthy but come out infested, or you could unknowingly bring insects into a greenhouse and infect the grower’s plants. Also, the cost involved in this service might be more than the actual plants are worth unless they have sentimental value. The hibiscus, ficus, and palm could all come up into the living space if you have room. They would prefer a south-facing window or any brightly lit room. The ferns are quite messy to keep, as I am sure you have found out from previous years of over-wintering them. They can actually be cut back so that the foliage is not constantly dropping. If you are insistent on keeping them in the basement, you may talk to your contractor to see if this is something they can work around, or ask a friend to keep them for a few days while the major construction is under way. One final thought would be to ask your friend in Lexington where she takes her plants and make a road trip with a car full of plants. Sorry I do not know of a closer option for you.
