· So, the question is, can you keep four o’clock plants over winter? The answer depends on your growing zone. If you live in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 through 11, these hardy plants survive the winter with minimal care. If you live in a cooler climate, the plants may need a little extra help. · Four o’clocks thrive in partial shade in the South or full sun in the North and gloomier climates. Frequent moisture—a good soaking two or three times a week—and rich soil will result in the heaviest bloom. · In USDA Horticultural Zones 7 to 11 (U.S. plant hardiness zones put forth by the USDA), four-o'clocks are perennial and may die to the ground in winter and return from the roots in the spring if protected with mulch. · With these winter care techniques, you're well on your way to ensuring your Colorado Four O'Clock plants emerge healthy and vibrant come spring. Next, let’s explore how to care for your plants indoors during the winter months. · Essential guide to cutting back Four O’Clocks: timing, technique, and preparing the tubers for successful winter storage and dormancy. · The best time to begin overwintering your Four o'clock flower is after the first light frost in autumn. This is when the foliage has started to die back, but before the ground freezes. · Because four o’clocks bloom so profusely, keeping them deadheaded (removing spent blooms) is all but impossible, which is fine because they don’t really need it to keep blooming.
