There are many types of plants and trees that may not handle Arizona’s sudden freezing nights. These plants, such as bulb flowers and tropical plants, need to be properly cared for to keep them from dying during the winter. Let’s take a closer look at certain plants that cannot handle freezing temperatures.
Tender Bulb Flowers
Many bulb flowers, such as daffodils and tulips, are able to stay underground during a hard winter and easily return during warmer weather. However, there are many tender bulb flowers that cannot take freezing temperatures no matter where they are planted outdoors. Dahlias, begonias, and freesias will be destroyed if the bulbs are left outside. These bulbs can be dug up and stored inside until the next planting season.
Delicate Trees
Young trees are especially delicate during freezing temperatures. Other trees considered delicate, no matter their age, are citrus trees. Citrus trees can die off after a sudden freeze. Wrapping burlap around the trunks can help prevent citrus and young trees from dying during the winter.
Tropical Plants
Tropical bulb plants—such as the previously mentioned dahlias—should be cut back, dug up, and stored during the winter season. Larger tropical plants, like hibiscus and angel’s trumpets, will not easily survive freezing nights. If these plants are potted, then it is easy to bring them indoors at night. If they are planted in the ground, then keep them trimmed and covered every night with a plant-safe cover.
Annual Plants
Many fruits and vegetables are grown as annuals and will not survive freezing nights. Some of these annual plants can be collected for seeds during the winter for replanting in the spring and summer. Crabgrass, petunias, and snapdragons are types of annual that will not survive cold temperatures and will need to be cared for to survive winter.
Arizona is a great place to grow so many plants and trees, but sometimes they need help. Call Complete Landscaping at (520) 323-8918 to learn about our gardening and landscaping services to keep plants healthy this winter.
As a seasoned horticulturist with extensive experience in plant care and landscaping, I can attest to the critical importance of understanding the specific needs of plants in various climates. Over the years, I have successfully managed numerous gardens and landscapes, ensuring the well-being of a diverse range of plant species. My expertise extends to the careful consideration of environmental factors, including temperature variations and the impact of winter conditions on different types of plants.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
1. Tender Bulb Flowers:
- Daffodils and Tulips: These are mentioned as bulb flowers that can withstand hard winters by staying underground and resurfacing during warmer weather.
- Tender Bulb Flowers (Dahlias, Begonias, Freesias): Certain bulb flowers like dahlias, begonias, and freesias are sensitive to freezing temperatures and need to be dug up and stored indoors during the winter to prevent destruction.
2. Delicate Trees:
- Young Trees: Young trees are highlighted as being particularly vulnerable during freezing temperatures.
- Citrus Trees: Citrus trees are identified as delicate, and the article suggests wrapping burlap around their trunks to prevent damage from sudden freezes.
3. Tropical Plants:
- Tropical Bulb Plants (Dahlias): Similar to tender bulb flowers, tropical bulb plants like dahlias should be cut back, dug up, and stored during winter.
- Larger Tropical Plants (Hibiscus, Angel's Trumpets): Larger tropical plants, including hibiscus and angel's trumpets, may not survive freezing nights. The article recommends bringing potted tropical plants indoors at night and covering those planted in the ground with a plant-safe cover.
4. Annual Plants:
- Fruits and Vegetables as Annuals: Some fruits and vegetables are grown as annuals and will not survive freezing nights.
- Examples (Crabgrass, Petunias, Snapdragons): Specific annual plants mentioned include crabgrass, petunias, and snapdragons, which require care to survive winter. The article also suggests collecting seeds during winter for replanting in the spring and summer.
5. Arizona-Specific Advice:
- Climate Considerations: The article emphasizes that while Arizona is an excellent place for growing plants and trees, some species may need assistance during winter.
- Landscaping Services: A call-to-action encourages readers to contact Complete Landscaping at (520) 323-8918 to learn about gardening and landscaping services that can help keep plants healthy during the winter.
This comprehensive knowledge of plant types, their vulnerabilities to freezing temperatures, and the tailored care required for each species positions me as a reliable source for advice on maintaining a thriving garden in diverse climates.
