Protecting Perennials from the Winter Cold

If you live where temperatures drop below freezing in the winter, you should protect your perennials from the cold. This will prevent the crown and roots from freezing and dying.

Frost Versus Freeze

Frost is when ice crystals form on plant foliage. It generally occurs when the temperature is 36-32 degrees Fahrenheit. Some plants are susceptible to cold injury, and their foliage dies dramatically at the first hint of frost. Squash, for example, turns into a goopy mess when the first frost hits. Hardier plants can withstand frost, but some foliage may get brown tips.

A freeze is when the temperature dips below 32 degrees. Many plants will lose their foliage at this point when the water in the plant cells freezes. Other plants do not lose their foliage, but it turns brown and dies. Even when the foliage dies, the crown and roots of the perennial stay alive. The roots never go dormant, so they need air and water. They do reduce their activity in the winter.

When To Prune

The dead foliage of perennials can be removed by cutting it back to the ground after the first hard freeze. Do not cut back the foliage until it dies. Many plants shift the starch and other nutrients in their foliage to their roots to prepare for winter. If you cut the foliage prematurely, that transfer doesn't happen. The plant will not be able to start growing in the spring or won't grow as well.

There has been a shift in the recommendations to always remove dead foliage after a freeze. Some researchers recommend leaving the dead foliage standing and only pruning in the spring as plants start to grow again. Plant material left over the winter helps wildlife, who can feed on the seeds. Insects like native bees may be pupating inside the dead stems of the plant. The standing foliage can also offer shelter to birds and small mammals during storms.

Leaving the plant material over the winter helps insulate the crown and roots of the plant. This reduces winter injury and lets a plant green up earlier in the spring. If your plant has struggled with disease or pests, remove the dead foliage after the first hard freeze and put it in the trash, not the compost heap. This allows the plant to start anew in the spring without the disease or pest posed to come back when new growth forms. The only pruning you should do before the first hard freeze is to remove broken or diseased parts of the plant. Pruning too early can result in a burst of new growth. The tender new growth will die in a hard freeze and may injure the plant when it does so.

Mulching Over the Crown

If you remove the plant material when it dies, you must use mulch to protect the crown and roots. How much mulch depends on how cold the area gets in the winter. For a temperate region, use 3-4 inches of mulch. Cover the crown of the perennial for an icy area with four to six inches of mulch.

In the spring, when the weather is warmer than freezing, remove the mulch from the perennial crown so it can start growing. You can leave the mulch around the plant, but make sure it doesn't touch the trunk or stem. Wet mulch against the plant can cause rot.

Watering During the Winter

The roots of a plant continue using energy even when it is freezing outside. The roots get water in areas with lots of snow when the snow melts. In cold areas without snow, the roots still need to be watered. Water the area around your perennials, trees, and shrubs deeply before the first freeze. The water will stay accessible when the soil above it freezes. During the winter, water deeply once a month. Pick a day when the temperature is above freezing to water.

Sudden Freezes

In the southern United States, the weather has been much warmer than usual in the last few years. Plants do not go dormant on time. A sudden freeze hitting a plant that isn't dormant can injure or kill it. The same plant in an area where the temperature gradually declines stays relatively cold, then warms up in the spring and can withstand much lower temperatures.

Covering perennials before a sudden freeze is essential to protect them. Using frost cloth or quilts, cover the plant thoroughly. Make sure the cover makes good contact with the ground. Weigh the fabric down with weights or rocks. A cover that flaps in the wind can do more damage than you would believe to your plant and isn't effective at sheltering the plant from the cold. In the past, people were told to put a light bulb under the fabric to help heat the area and keep the plant from freezing. LED lights generate very little heat and will not help the plant stay warm. If you put an incandescent bulb under the cover to heat the plant, ensure the bulb does not touch the plant or the cover, or you may have a fire.

Fertilizing Appropriately Is Important in Cold Weather

Fertilizing a plant too late in the fall with a lot of nitrogen usually results in a burst of new growth. The tender new growth cannot tolerate the cold and dies back. This often damages the plant. Ensure that any fall fertilization stops four to six weeks before the first freeze date in your area.

Pick Native Plants

Native plants are likely to endure the winter than non-native plants. Some people think native plants are all unattractive. Many native plants are beautiful and live long lives. Think of black-eyed Susans, with their brown middles and bright yellow petals. Purple coneflower, with its purple petals, is also very attractive. Both are native to North America. Trees such as redbuds or dogwoods have beautiful flowers and are hardy. There are attractive perennials, trees, and shrubs in every area. They are adapted to the amount of rainfall the area receives, need little fertilizer, and attract wildlife.

Need Help Choosing?

At TN Nursery, our staff can help you discover the native plant for every niche in your landscape. Call 931.692.7325 for answers to your questions and to order plants.

Black Eyed Susan - TN Nursery

Black Eyed Susan

Black-Eyed Susan: Rudbeckia Hirta Black Eyed Susan has vibrant yellow petals and dark, contrasting centers and is a popular and delightful addition to any landscaping project. This native North American wildflower offers a host of pleasing attributes that make it a sought-after choice for gardens and outdoor spaces. From its adaptability to its visual appeal and ecological benefits, it stands out as a versatile and attractive plant.  Black-Eyed Susan Plants Attract Pollinators Rudbeckia Hirta is a beautiful and popular flower that blooms each year in North America. With yellow flowers surrounding a dark circular center, this plant serves an aesthetic purpose in any landscape and draws in bees and butterflies. Due to its hardiness and versatility, the plant is suitable for growing in the garden for beginners and professionals.  This perennial is valued for ornamental purposes and contributes to ecosystem maintenance.  Features of the Black-Eyed Susan The perennial has bright yellow petals with a dark brown or black Eye in the middle, making it a vivid plant that would look great in any garden. This plant attracts bees, butterflies, and many other beneficial insects, so it should be included in any pollinator garden. It is relatively adaptable. It does well in arid conditions and simple soil types, making it a perfect pick for any low-maintenance garden.  Pollinator Favorites It prefers regions receiving full or partial sun exposure. Its growth habit is 2 to 3 feet tall and similar in width, enhancing the green appearance of areas where it is grown. Once established, this plant does not need much attention and usually grows well.  It is relatively immune to many garden pests and diseases. Growers of this plant can also contribute to habitat and care for one's patch of land by offering food for pollinators and other more valuable insects. Returns Every Warm Season Buy them and add these beautiful flowers to your garden, like our other popular ornamental plants, such as echinacea, shasta daisy, or coneflower plants. Growth Enhancements and Suggestions They do well in regions with full sun exposure. Ensure they are exposed to at least six hours of sunshine daily. They like well-draining soils and will grow in a range of soil types. These perennials symbolize encouragement, motivation, and justice. Their bright yellow color with a dark center is linked with positivism and strength, making them perfect for any garden.  Fertilizing Isn't Necessary, But Here are Recommendations They are native plants that do not require fertilizer, but you can use a slow-release fertilizer if you prefer it. Use it sparingly as they grow because these plants are not heavy feeders.  Maturity Height and Bloom Cycle  Depending on their type, they are perennials that can reach 1 to 3 feet. They provide great accents to borders and garden landscapes. Black-eyed Susan plants can take from 60 to 90 days to bloom after germination from seeds. The plants return year after year, blooming mid to late summer and continuing into early fall.

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