Caring for Lavender and Fuschia in the Winter?

Q: Does anyone know if lavender and fushia can stay outside in zone 6 during the winter months? I have all types. If not, can I bring it in as a houseplant? And how would I do that?

Thanks,
Eve

A: Eve,

English lavender should be hardy in zone 6, French and Spanish lavender cultivars are not. If you want to be safe, you can mulch them.

Very few varieties of fuchsia will survive below 20 degrees F and none will survive at temperatures below zero. You can try over-wintering it by cutting it back (leave 2-3 leaves on each branch) and keeping it indoors in a cool room until spring, or you can take a tip cutting (tips with 4-5 leaves). Remove the bottom pair of leaves and insert the stem into a moist, but well-drained potting medium until spring, also keeping the cutting in a cool room. A third option is to collect seeds now and sow them in April like you would other flower seeds. The plants will probably not flower until year two. If you have been growing the decorative pots from nurseries, you might get some interesting new varieties this way. To increase your chances of success, you might consider trying all three methods, but don't have high expectations.