Tender plants are those which cannot survive our winters - the roots and tops will be killed. Some survive winters in the south, or mild winters if growing in sheltered conditions.

Half-hardy plants are tender plants. Most summer bedding is half-hardy or treated as such ie sown in spring, grown on under protection and planted out after the last frosts have finished.

Hardy plants survive our winters. Hardy plants become half-hardy if grown under cover where they are protected from the cold and winds.