Help me find out...

[plantnewb]

I got this plant as a gift over the summer and planted it in my garden. I love the way it looks, but I need to know if I should remove it before wintertime (I live in Upstate NY and anticipate lots of snow).

So - what type of plant is it?

And - should I take it out before the winter?

[Newt]

Hi Plantnewb,

Your picture is a bit small, but it appears to be a Kalanchoe, probably Kalanchoe blossfeldiana.* These are tropical plants and don't do well in temps below 40*F.* I grew up in the Catskill Mtns. and I'm sure your night time temps have already dipped close to that.* You will need to bring in your plant and hold back a bit on watering at first as these plants are succulents.* Take a look at these sites to see if my id is correct.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalanchoe
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art33595.asp

You can do a google with the full botanical name and click on 'Images' for better id.* Here's how to move plants indoors and outdoors.
http://www.plant-care.com/outside-plants-inside.html

Newt