Cold Protection of Landscape Plants

Sydney Park-Brown
Contacts: Tom Wichman , Claire Lewis , Wendy Wilber , andKeighly Graves

Release Date: 2/3/2026

DOI: 10.32473/edis-mg025-1990

Agriculture

Abstract

This document discusses the impact of cold temperatures on landscape plants in Florida, highlighting the differences between radiational and advective freezes. It explains how tropical, subtropical, and temperate plants respond to cold, and provides strategies for protecting plants before, during, and after a freeze. Key methods include utilizing microclimates, proper plant nutrition, watering, pruning, and using covers. The document also emphasizes the importance of acclimating plants and offers practical tips for homeowners to minimize cold injury and ensure plant recovery. Original publication date June 1990.

About this Publication

This document is ENH1, one of a series of the Department of Environmental Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date June 1990. Revised June 2014, July 2018, September 2021, and January 2025. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication.

How to Cite

Park Brown, S., Ingram, D. L., & Yeager, T. H. (2014). Cold Protection of Landscape Plants. EDIS, 2014(6). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-mg025-1990