From what I'm told, they need moist and cool,no less than 30 degrees, over the winter. A very wise experienced gardener friend digs up her huge plants and puts them in a 5' deep pit/cold frame w/ clear top, and they do really well. but we don't have a pit or coldframe. we do have a room temp conservatory w/ wall of windows, and a light-less bulkhead, and a screen porch (lightless cellar stays 60 degrees and above.) it sounds like the bulkhead might stay warm enough but the lack of light will see them looking horrid in spring, at which point i cut them back and they sprout anew. this is what i will try unless someone has come up with some other ideas...? i could probably also build an enclosure around those planted in the ground, and fill it 2-3'H w/ shredded leaves...?anything is better than just chucking them.

thanks for any help,

mindy