Winter protection for plants

With some colder temperatures heading our way a little earlier than normal this year, I thought it would be good to send out a reminder that some plants require some winter protection if temperatures dip below freezing.

Hebes and Phormiums (New Zealand Flax) are not as hardy as some other plants and easily sustain damage with temperature below 20-25 degrees. New plantings can be susceptible to winter damage as well regardless of actual hardiness because their root systems are not mature yet. Above ground plantings such as containers are also more susceptible as their root systems are above ground without insulation of the soil.

It only takes a little precaution to save your plantings. For Hebes and the like, I drape an old blanket over the plant, tucking the folds of the blanket around the root system. You can set a cardboard box over them. Hay bales, bubble pack, burlap sacks..anything that provides blanket like insulation. This is often enough to provide a ten degree differential between the outside air and the plant. You will not want to leave them on for extended periods of time. I try and remove them during the day and put them back on at night. If the day temps stay low as well, you can leave them for 3-4 days before the plant(s) start to resent it.

For new plantings, you can drape whole sheets, blankets, or tarps over entire areas securing them down with rocks or other heavy materials. Small evergreen perennials and broadleaf evergreens would be my focus as the conifers and deciduous plants are hardier and more dormant, thus able to survive teen temperatures more easily.


For containers, move them right up against the house or into your garage if you can. For your prized containers, wrap the base of the pot with the above mentioned materials (blanket, tarp, boxes). Cluster groupings of the pots together so they can insulate eachother.

I know it is a pain to do all this, but it will be worth it to protect your investment(s). Good luck, and may the frost be with you!