In Part 1 I mentioned the two hard frosts and a freeze we had recently, all of them rather later in the season than is typical. I illustrated how different species in the same genus reacted to the freeze differently, and also gave examples of plants that were damaged even though they were protected.
Appearances Can Be Deceiving
Sometimes frost damage doesn’t show up right away.The Forever&Ever hydrangeas are a special form of Hydrangea macrophylla. The leaves put out new growth early, but that growth is frost sensitive. In our cold climate, the buds that produce flowers must be protected from freezing. I mostly do this with a thick covering of leaves, but this shrub was putting out growth beyond the leaves piled around it. I covered this growth with a container, which was sufficient for the first two heavy frosts, but not the big freeze.
On the other hand…
Too Big to Protect
Trees and shrubs often take the worst hits from unexpectedly cold weather because they can’t be covered. We are always dreading frost when the apple trees are blooming, and this Michigan State University Extension site explains how to assess frost damage to apple buds, flowers, fruit and trees. The photo below illustrates how woody plants can vary in their resistance to cold damage.We gathered several bouquets of lilacs the night before, certain they would all be reduced to brown mush.
Some Plants Can Take It
What You Should Learn From This
When the forecast reads,
Temperatures Monday morning will fall into the upper 20s to lower 30s. Sheltered rural valleys could be even colder…Those with agricultural or gardening interests in the warned area are advised to protect tender vegetation.
don’t throw your hands up in despair. Even if you can’t completely protect your plants, you can help many of them either to recover for this season, or to build up strength for next season. You won’t know how much you can save until after it’s all over, so don’t assume it’s hopeless ahead of time.