I live in the chicago area : i have mini carnations outside in a pot will they come back next year?

I'm in Canada, so we get the same winters, mine came back and very big this year. I didn't cover, just left them. :):):)

I live in the chicago area : i have mini carnations outside in a pot will they come back next year?
If you have them in a clay pot you need to take them into the basement for the winter....If not cover them up good with some leaves or straw Yes they will come back if you keep them from freezing,,,
Reply:yes carnations will come back and multiply.
Reply:I'm going to offer a more cautious answer... they could come back.



What sort of carnation (Dianthus) do you have? There are some annual or short lived forms out there. They would not come back unless measures were taken.



Many forms of garden pinks (miniature or small carnations) are extremely hardy. I've never had luck with any full sized carnation varieties, planted in my garden, in USDA hardiness zone 5. But my pinks are great.



Move the container so that it is against the house. There will be some heat that escapes, which will help keep the pot and plant marginally warmer than the outside air temperature. Water them if the soil seems dry... I know they aren't growing in the winter, but if the roots dry out they'll die. Winter rain/ snow may provide all the water that is needed. Lastly try to elevate the pot slightly. Put a piece of thin board under the pot. That will lessen the amount of freeze/thaw damage on your pot (concrete or terra cotta).



Lastly never spend more on your plants that you're hoping will winter over, than you would on annuals that you would throw away. That way if they don't survive, it's not so painful.



I hope that this helps

Good luck-
Reply:I have dianthus (carnations) in a wooden planter outside and they come back every year. The plants should be okay, but depending on what type of pot, you may want to insulate the pot by wrapping with outdoor insulation for winter so it does not crack. and make sure it has good drainage so water will not fill and freeze inside.