Type: Standalone reference wiki Scope: Frost tolerance, overwintering method, and USDA zone survival for 18 common container/bedding plants Use case: Quick-lookup for "will this survive winter in a pot" — filterable by zone, frost threshold, or overwintering method
Key takeaways:
- Most common bedding plants (petunias, impatiens, begonias, geraniums) die at or below 32°F (0°C) unless moved indoors.
- USDA Zones 9–11 is the general cutoff where tender perennials survive outdoors year-round.
- Below Zone 8, three options exist for any tender plant: bring indoors as a houseplant, overwinter dormant in a cool dark space, or take cuttings and discard the parent plant.
- Container roots always freeze faster than in-ground roots — pots need protection roughly one zone earlier than the ground equivalent.
- Data compiled from/expanded on this guide: How Long Do Petunias Last in Pots in Winter?
| Plant | Family | Frost Kill Point | Min. Safe Temp (Brief) | Hardy USDA Zones (Outdoor) | Typical Pot Lifespan (Cold Climate) | Best Overwintering Method | Cutting-Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petunia | Solanaceae | 32°F / 0°C | 39–40°F (4–5°C) | 9–11 | 4–7 months | Indoors (bright) or cuttings | Yes |
| Wave Petunia | Solanaceae | 32°F / 0°C | 39–40°F (4–5°C) | 9–11 | 4–7 months | Cuttings preferred (leggy indoors) | Yes |
| Supertunia® hybrid | Solanaceae | 32°F / 0°C | 39–40°F (4–5°C) | 9–11 | 4–7 months | Indoors or cuttings | Yes |
| Geranium (Pelargonium) | Geraniaceae | 32°F / 0°C | 35°F (2°C) | 9–11 | 5–8 months | Dormant storage (cool, dark, dry) | Yes |
| Impatiens | Balsaminaceae | 32°F / 0°C | 40°F (4°C) | 10–11 | 4–6 months | Cuttings only (poor indoor survival) | Yes |
| Begonia (wax/tuberous) | Begoniaceae | 32°F / 0°C | 40°F (4°C) | 9–11 (wax); tubers lifted elsewhere | 5–7 months | Lift tubers, store dry & cool | Limited |
| Lantana | Verbenaceae | 28°F / -2°C | 32°F (0°C) | 9–11 | 6–8 months | Cut back, store semi-dormant indoors | Yes |
| Verbena | Verbenaceae | 30°F / -1°C | 35°F (2°C) | 9–11 | 5–7 months | Cuttings | Yes |
| Marigold | Asteraceae | 32°F / 0°C | 40°F (4°C) | Annual everywhere | 3–5 months | Not overwintered (true annual) | No |
| Zinnia | Asteraceae | 32°F / 0°C | 40°F (4°C) | Annual everywhere | 3–5 months | Not overwintered (true annual) | No |
| Fuchsia | Onagraceae | 30°F / -1°C | 34°F (1°C) | 9–11 (hardy types to 7) | 5–7 months | Dormant storage or cool indoor | Yes |
| Coleus | Lamiaceae | 32°F / 0°C | 45°F (7°C) | Grown as annual (perennial 10–11) | 4–6 months | Cuttings (very reliable) | Yes |
| Sweet Potato Vine | Convolvulaceae | 32°F / 0°C | 40°F (4°C) | 9–11 | 4–6 months | Lift tubers or cuttings | Yes |
| Dahlia | Asteraceae | 32°F / 0°C | 40°F (4°C) | 8–11 (tubers hardy) | 5–7 months | Lift tubers, store cool & dry | Limited |
| Osteospermum | Asteraceae | 28°F / -2°C | 32°F (0°C) | 9–11 | 5–7 months | Cuttings or bright indoor | Yes |
| Calibrachoa | Solanaceae | 32°F / 0°C | 39°F (4°C) | 9–11 | 4–6 months | Cuttings | Yes |
| Nasturtium | Tropaeolaceae | 32°F / 0°C | 40°F (4°C) | Annual everywhere | 3–5 months | Not typically overwintered | No |
| Bacopa (Sutera) | Plantaginaceae | 30°F / -1°C | 35°F (2°C) | 9–11 | 4–6 months | Cuttings | Yes |
| Temperature | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Above 90°F (32°C) | Heat stress, reduced blooming | Water consistently, provide afternoon shade |
| 55–80°F (13–27°C) | Ideal growth range | Maintain normal care |
| 40–55°F (4–13°C) | Growth slows | Monitor forecast |
| 35–40°F (2–5°C) | Minor stress on brief exposure | Prepare frost protection |
| 32°F (0°C) | Frost damage begins | Move indoors / cover immediately |
| Below 32°F (0°C) | Hard freeze — typically fatal for tender species | Overwinter indoors or replace in spring |
Cuttings-only (poor as mature houseplants): Impatiens, Wave Petunia, Coleus, Lantana, Verbena, Calibrachoa, Bacopa
Dormant storage (cool, dark, minimal water): Geranium, Fuchsia, Lantana
Lift & store tubers/roots: Dahlia, Begonia (tuberous), Sweet Potato Vine
True annuals — do not overwinter, replace each year: Marigold, Zinnia, Nasturtium
Bright indoor houseplant (6+ hrs light needed): Petunia, Supertunia®, Osteospermum, Geranium
Q: My plant looks fine at 35°F — do I still need to act? A: Brief dips to 35–40°F rarely cause lasting damage for most species on this list. Treat 32°F as the hard action line.