I don't think I can bring the David Verity cuphea into the house to winter over as I planned unless I cut it way back. It's just too big and leggy. I tried it in the bathroom and in front of the sliders where winter sun would be good for it. But it's too much.
I did find an article that says potted cuphea can be brought inside, but to cut it back first. So I did, although I hated to sacrifice all the pretty flowers it was still putting out.
Will that one overnight freeze be enough to zap the cuphea?
Assuming it might, I cut it down to just a few leaves at the base of the stems and put it next to to my laundry hamper in my bedroom.
It had gotten so leggy because I watered it too much.
I did the same with the potted Windwalker Red salvia and the Black Adder agastache. Their leaves got so shriveled in the summer sun if I did not water, but the extra moisture made them tall and spindly.
The salvia was actually cut back in summer and it regrew quickly into tall stalks with vivid blooms at the tips.
I need to figure out how to keep these potted plants happy without over watering.
The red salvia may go in the ground next spring, in a spot where there is no emitter. It needs water to flower well, and maybe I can keep it hose watered but leave it drier in between waterings.
Still full and green and even putting out a few flowers, but it was time. What a performer it was all summer long, constantly in full bloom.
In spring I will divide it and use the divisions in other locations. Maybe in pots, maybe I'll put one in the ground.
The Blue Ice amsonias are a nice yellow now in the corner by the guest room window.
They are a cool, lemony yellow, bright and eye catching. I can't wait for the new ones I just planted to fill out around the circle garden and produce this elegant foliage and color in fall. It will take a good 3 to 4 years, though.
Some trees have lost leaves, the Virginia creeper is brown and kaput, but it's still so warm and beautiful.