SAN ANTONIO – South Central Texas is expecting a hard freeze early next week when the temperatures will likely be below or at freezing for several hours.
What does the incoming cold weather mean for plants?
Some plants will not need any protection. Others will require certain precautions.
What plants require the most care in the cold?
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Anything potted: Covering them outside can still be risky, especially if the plants are tropical. Bring them inside or into a garage.
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Anything tropical in the ground: Like Bougainvillea, these will die back and come back from a light freeze but not from a hard freeze. These will need to be covered.
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Tropical trees: Citrus trees are very sensitive. Even established citrus in our area can’t tolerate a hard freeze.
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In-ground succulents: These could be a gamble if they are established cacti. During our last freeze, I saw several big established cacti did not survive. They can tolerate light freezes. Some protection or light covering couldn’t hurt.
What can you leave uncovered?
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Natives that are established: Like Lantana, Greggs Mist flowers and sages, these will all die back but come back in the spring. When they die, they will turn dark and lose leaves. When scratched, the wood will show you it’s green.
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Sago Palms: Unless these were planted this year, there is no need to cover them. The leaves will brown or yellow in the freeze. Cut them back after, and let the palm be bald for a while. Green leaves will shoot back in the spring.
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Large established shrubs: Shrubs, especially if they are native, will be fine. If they are very large and have been around for a while, they will survive. For example, non-native established rose bushes do not need to be covered.
What is questionable?
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Anything that was planted in the ground this fall or even in the spring. South Central Texas is still dealing with mostly high temperatures and a drought. Those roots are stressed. Even if the roots are native, I would cover anything that is not established.
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Vegetables or Annuals: Unless they are winter veggies such as greens, it is best to harvest veggie gardens. For example, pick those tomatoes or peppers and cut those zinnias.
Here’s how you cover:
Cover with cardboard, freeze cloth or old blankets. Try to stay away from plastic. It can burn your plants. Also: make sure to cover the roots.
If you didn’t rake like me, these leaves are acting like insulators.
Most importantly: water, water, water. Giving everything a deep watering is the best protection you can give them.