Cold Weather Plant Prep

Cold Weather Warning!

The forecast is calling for cold and dry conditions. This weather can be damaging for broadleaf evergreens, tender perennials and fall annuals. Not to worry however, damage can be avoided with a little effort and planning.

Tips for protecting plants:

• Water your plants BEFORE the cold hits. Freezing temperatures pull moisture out of the foliage, so a well hydrated plant is a resilient plant!
• Cover sensitive plants with a lightweight fabric, such as an old bed sheet. Floating row cover material (REMAY) also works very well. Secure cloth in such a way that the wind will not blow it off. A tarp will work in a pinch, but may crush weaker plants due to its weight. If using a tarp or other plastic material, also take care to prevent the plastic from touching foliage. The plastic may freeze to leaf surfaces. Use stakes to raise the plastic off the plant. Remove the coverings when temperatures rise the next day.
• For a short cold period, low growing plants can be covered with mulch, such as lightweight compost, straw or bark mulch. Remove once the danger of frost has passed.
• Potted plants may be moved to more protected locations, such as in a garage or even under the eaves of the house.

Plants you may want to protect:

• Anything with flowers, or flower buds that typically bloom in the winter months
• Anything with very fleshy, soft, broadleaf evergreen leaves
• Any new, unestablished plantings

Examples of plants you may want to think about protecting:

• Camellias
• Jasmine Vine
• Sarcococca (Sweetbox)
• Bay Laurel (Sweet Bay)
• Pieris
• Any Zone 8 Herbs
• Winter Daphne
• Phormium (New Zealand Flax)
• Edgeworthia (Paperbush)
• certain Salvia’s Hyssop
• Aralia
• Skimmia Rosemary
• Lavender 
• Hardy Fuchsias

Good luck and please feel free to call us anytime if you have any questions! 360–321–6789