Most native ornamental species are well adapted to surviving winter in the ground.It is much worse with plants of foreign origin, as well as potted specimens, even those that cope well with low temperatures in bedding conditions.We have to help these plants.
Plants freeze especially during winters without snow (due to the lack of natural insulation). The standard is to cover the root ball, for example with dry leaves or needles.This is how to protect, inter alia, budley, hibiscus, barbala, pencil, gunnera, Japanese anemones and desert moth.
Plants from steppes with dry winters rot easily when it snows and rains, such as pampas grass, yucca and tritome. These plants are best tied into a sheaf so that no water gets to the heart of the plants.Cover the soil around the roots with leaves or needles.Mix heavy clay soil with sand to improve its permeability.
Evergreen trees and shrubs also transpire in winter, the more intense the sun is. It is dangerous because a shrub or a tree is not able to collect water from a frozen ground.Therefore, plants should be watered on frost-free days.Shading the plants with jute bags or non-woven fabric is a good solution.
Remember, however, that plants need to breathe.Strong temperature fluctuations between day and night make the bark of young trees crack.This can be prevented by either wrapping the trunks with mats or whitewashing the trunks with lime.
Potted plants (not exotic, but native) can be overwintering on the terrace, but they should be placed against the wall. Preferably in a window recess so that they are sheltered from wind and sun.Place the pots on polystyrene and wrap them with bubble wrap.
