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.