The cold weather can cause chaos in our gardens – and it can be tricky to know how best to shield your beloved plants from the cold.
Luckily, BBC Gardeners’ World host Mark Lane has offered some handy tips, as well as suggesting which plants can withstand a cold snap – and those that can’t. Speaking to Stannah, Mark advised that when it comes to plants, it’s crucial to ‘prune to prevent’.
This all boils down to a process known as ‘transpiration’ – essentially the evaporation of water from plant leaves. It’s the method by which moisture travels through plants from roots to small pores on the underside of leaves, where it transforms into vapour and is released into the atmosphere.
Transpiration also involves a process called ‘guttation’, which is the loss of water in liquid form from the uninjured leaf or stem of the plant. Wind greatly contributes to transpiration, as does a cold snap, which is why Mark suggests it’s wise to prune back plants, such as herbaceous perennials.
Move vulnerable plants indoors
Ideally, you should have already trimmed back plants that are susceptible to wind rock and cold, such as shrub roses, Lavatera and Buddleia, by between a third and half of their height in the autumn – and moved vulnerable plants like Olea europaea (olive) indoors.
When it comes to safeguarding your plants, there’s a plethora of materials and products that can be utilised for insulation and protection, whether they’re grown in the ground or in pots. Horticultural fleece and hessian can be used to wrap around plants and clay pots, while recycled bubble wrap can act like a winter duvet for pots and containers – even plastic bags filled with other plastic bags can do the trick.
Cloches can shield young plants and seedlings, and cold frames and greenhouses provide a barrier against rain and wind for more delicate plants. Even a porch can offer some respite from the harsh cold for tender plants.
Simply gathering all pots and containers and placing them together in a protected area, such as against the house wall, can aid plants and bulbs during the colder months.
What plants should I grow or avoid during cold weather?
Here are some plants that can help keep your garden looking lush and lively even during frosty periods. Remember to select varieties that are compatible with your specific location and soil conditions.
Winter gardening can be a fulfilling experience, and these cold-resistant plants will certainly add a splash of colour to your garden during the frosty season, whether in hanging baskets or plant beds.
Ten plants that will survive a cold snap
Snowdrops (Galanthus spp.) Snowdrops are another early bloomer. Their delicate white flowers add a touch of elegance to the winter garden.
Winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) This deciduous shrub produces bright yellow flowers on bare stems during winter. It’s a fantastic addition to a cold-weather garden.
Witch hazel (Hamamelis spp.) Witch hazel produces spidery, fragrant flowers in the dead of winter. Their unique appearance and scent make them a must-have for winter gardens.
Cyclamen (Cyclamen spp.) Cyclamen plants have charming, marbled leaves and vibrant, butterfly-like flowers. They thrive in cool temperatures.
Winter pansies (Viola wittrockiana) These colourful annuals can endure chilly temperatures and add a pop of colour to winter containers or borders.
Christmas rose (Helleborus niger) This hellebore species, also known as the Christmas rose, produces white blooms with a hint of pink. It’s a lovely addition to winter gardens.
Sarcococca (Sarcococca spp.) Known as sweet box, this shrub has small, fragrant white flowers in late winter and early spring. It’s excellent for shady areas.
Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) Winterberry shrubs offer vibrant red berries throughout the winter, providing a valuable food source for birds.
Primroses (Primula vulgaris) Primroses are one of the earliest spring bloomers and come in a variety of colours. They’re great for brightening up the garden.
English Ivy (Hedera helix) English Ivy is an evergreen vine that provides year-round interest. Its dark green leaves are especially striking in winter.
Six plants to avoid during cold snaps
On the flip side, these following plants aren’t likely to fare well during a cold snap, so it’s worth bringing them inside or undercover if possible. It’s important to note that with the right care, some of these can be grown in the UK, particularly in milder coastal areas or with the use of greenhouses, cold frames or other protective measures.
Tropical plants Plants native to tropical regions, such as orchids, hibiscus and bougainvillea, are not well-suited to the cold and damp conditions of the UK. They require consistent warmth and cannot tolerate frost.
Cacti and succulents While some succulents may survive in the UK, they often struggle in the damp and cool climate. It’s essential to provide them with excellent drainage and protection from excessive moisture.
Tender perennials Plants like geraniums (Pelargonium spp.) and fuchsias are often treated as annuals in the UK because they can’t endure the cold. You may need to bring them indoors during the winter.
Tomatoes and peppers While tomatoes and peppers can be grown successfully in the UK during the summer, they’re sensitive to cold temperatures and will not thrive during the colder months.
Tender herbs Some herbs like basil and coriander prefer warmer climates. They may struggle in the UK’s colder weather, especially in winter.
Tender annuals Annuals like impatiens, begonias and marigolds are sensitive to frost and cold temperatures. They are typically grown as summer bedding plants in the UK.
