So I'm planning ahead a bit to remove my container grown plants and transplant them into the ground before cold weather sets in. I need some advice on new plants I've never grown before. Specifically, when to plant in the ground, any special preperation (pruning, soil amendments) and if you've had success with them coming back the next year...

Elephant Ears... I have minis that grew fairly well in pots this summer.

Daisies, specifically Osteospermum... The roots on these guys grew right through the drain holes into the dirt underneath, they're in great shape.

Daylilies... Have five different fans and a clump of Stella D'Oro

Asiatic lillies... Planted bulbs in the ground last year and they came up great in spring, but now I have foliage I don't know what to do with.

Geranium... Just a couple of small clumps, grown more for foliage than flowers. I wouldn't be upset about losing these.

Million Bells... I know they're annuals, just wondering if anyone's ever had luck with them.

I have a ton of bulbs that were in containers over last winter (sunk next to the foundation and mulched heavily) that did great in spring. I'm planning on taking all of them out of containers and supplementing the tulip bulbs already in the ground.

I'm also thinking of planting a raised island incorporating some or all of the plants above.

Any advice would be much appreciated!

Trish

My elephant ears did not winter over - it was too harsh last year (NYC area). I think you have to pull them out and store them (I messed that up also, they all dried out).

The geraniums will not survive outside, th first frost will kill them....however, each year I bring a few inside. I repot with fresh soil, add some miracle grow, and place in a sunny spot (south window). I am rewarded with beautiful bright flowers all winter long - it makes me feel good just looking at them during the long winter. They are undemanding and seem not to be bothered by whitefly, spidermites, etc. In the spring, I clip 'em back, repot again, and they do very well. They do well for 3 years, then into the compost!!

With the lillies, leave all the foliage as this feeds the plant. I wait until spring to cut any remaining leaves, stalks. I give my Stella D'oros (in pots on either side of my door) a close 'haircut' in December - cut the then brown dead leaves (looks like straw) down to about 2" . I think you can do this in early spring - suggest March 'cause you don't want to clip off the new growth.

Good luck!!

Anyway, thanks for the advice!

You may find some one in plant exchange forums that is willing to take them off your hands too- perhaps for the cost of the postage, or to trade for something non-plant like.