---
title: "Thinking ahead… How do I prep these guys for dormancy? I have my…"
description: "Thinking ahead… How do I prep these guys for dormancy? I have my Bouganvillea Cultivar indoors, and my Juniper outside. I do not have a garage with a window.…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/hB0M8pmURCqUK7zhKpIOTw/jEk1GrHvt1UB6hHebM9VMM"
community: "Bonsai Matters"
author: "Alyssa"
published: "2025-08-27T22:04:30.343775Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/sffRxKvTvp-InOpWruVVv1sIGgI5CNUQG_NVmthw09s/XQaZGPRZQm6kS80tVvu3xg.webp?size=large"
---

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# Thinking ahead… How do I prep these guys for dormancy? I have my…

_Posted by Alyssa on 2025-08-27_

Thinking ahead… How do I prep these guys for dormancy? I have my Bouganvillea Cultivar indoors, and my Juniper outside. I do not have a garage with a window. Any advice is appreciated!

Happy planting 🪴

![Attachment 1 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/sffRxKvTvp-InOpWruVVv1sIGgI5CNUQG_NVmthw09s/XQaZGPRZQm6kS80tVvu3xg.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/sffRxKvTvp-InOpWruVVv1sIGgI5CNUQG_NVmthw09s/3kC7qjN0SF-svQsKoLiwyA.webp?size=large)

## 5 comments

### Waspinator commented on 2025-08-27

The bougainvillea does not need a dormant period and can just stay indoors over winter. The juniper does need winter. The main risk to bonsai is the soil freezing since a raised pot isn't insulated the way the ground is. The easiest way to protect it is to put it in a place that doesn't get cold drafts and cover the entire pot with a bunch of mulch (leaf litter also works.) Make sure it gets its normal amount of light since it's an evergreen, and remember to water it (it will use less water. Be careful with timing if you get hard frost; it's better to skip a day than freeze the soil). You can also build a cold frame for winter care, though that is a bit more involved

#### Alyssa replied on 2025-08-28

I live in Ohio, so winter’s can be pretty harsh. If I protected it from the winds, could it still remain outside even if temps get freezing?

#### Waspinator replied on 2025-08-28

Yes, as long as you protect it from direct sun and wind, it should be good. Junipers are very cold tolerant and can handle ohio winters just fine. They can be at risk during spring and fall when temperatures swing wildly back and forth since it can come out of dormancy too early and get fresh buds frozen. If it wakes up early in spring, you can just take it inside until temperatures stabilize. Also in winter you can use snow to water it; just set it on the pot and it'll melt when it's needed

#### Alyssa replied on 2025-08-28

Thanks so much!!

#### Just a guy replied on 2025-08-29

I would suggest planting the pot in the ground for the juniper this will help it stay warm

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