Unless you were living under a cool rock this summer, you're well aware of the extreme heat and ongoing drought conditions that Louisiana faced. At Louisiana Nursery, we dedicated months to educating our customers on protecting their plants from triple-digit heat and stifling humidity. Now that we've transitioned into a cooler season, it's the perfect time to evaluate your gardens and landscapes, making season-specific changes to your care routine and products, and taking precautionary steps to shield plants from harsh winter lows.
Louisiana's cool season brings unpredictable fluctuations in temperature, causing a potential whiplash effect on plants, especially tender tropicals often classified as houseplants. Mild cold damage, evident in wrinkled and scrunched leaves, signals the need to bring these plants indoors when temperatures drop to 50 degrees or lower. It's crucial to be aware of the misconception regarding Eugenias, often considered cold-hardy but, in reality, are 100% tropical plants.
Relocating potted plants is straightforward, but in-ground plants require additional care. Mulch is a simple yet effective way to insulate plant roots and can be applied to everything from large trees to perennial garden beds. Frost cloth is another essential tool for protecting your yard. Cover the entire canopy and leaves, securing the cloth with stakes or heavy objects to withstand wind or rain.
Evergreens and deciduous plants generally fare well in Louisiana's mild winters, but covering evergreen shrubs like Camellia Sasanquas becomes essential for preserving winter blooms. Categorizing parts of your garden that need extra attention helps streamline your winter care routine.
Considering the challenges faced in 2023, including yellow grass and high water bills, ending the year strong is possible with winterizer for lawns, trees, and shrubs. Louisiana Nursery recommends a winterizer with a weed preventer mix to reduce frost damage and weed germination while promoting a vibrant green spring lawn. Reducing foot traffic and mowing during winter alleviates stress on your grass.
Citrus trees that thrived in summer can be vulnerable to hard freezes. Using extra mulch, covering with frost cloth, and placing a heat source, such as an incandescent lightbulb, under the covered tree can protect them from extreme cold. Replace summer annuals with cold-loving flowers like snapdragons, pansies, violas, and dianthus. Perennials can survive low 40s temperatures with aesthetic damage but require precautions against freezes. Watering heavily before a real freeze, paired with generous frost cloth coverage, increases the chances of success. After the coldest temperatures pass, cut back dead growth from damaged plants to encourage springtime recovery. Some plants may appear yellow or fall over, but patience may reveal their resilience come spring.
Winter gardening in Louisiana may require extra attention, but our mild winters provide an opportunity to continue growing and enjoying outdoor spaces while others contend with snow. By incorporating these tips into your winter gardening playbook, you can ensure your plants thrive and look forward to a vibrant spring. At Louisiana Nursery, we embrace the unique challenges of our climate and remain committed to helping our customers nurture flourishing gardens year-round.
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