Protect Your Plants in Winter: Figs, Rosemary + Lavender

Written by: Eliza Rose Laubach

While many plants we use in Healing Roots Design landscapes are natives well adapted to the Blue Ridge Mountains, some are not. There are a few plants that are especially susceptible to a deep freeze like what we have coming up this week, especially some edible perennials we use in our designs such as figs, rosemary, lavender, and some broad-leaf evergreens.
 
If you are unsure whether a plant is going to survive a deep freeze, look up its plant hardiness range. Asheville and the surrounding region is in Zone 7, where temperatures can drop to 0 to 10 degrees during deep freeze cold snaps. In areas of higher elevation, with north or west facing slopes, the low will be on the colder end of that range. Frost can gather in low-lying areas, such as small valleys and the bottom of a holler. High winds can increase the wind chill, which can cause plants to dry out faster and become more susceptible to cold temperatures.
 
Plants that are especially susceptible:

• Figs
• Rosemary
• Lavender

*Some of these come in more cold-hardy varieties. If you do not know whether you have a cold-hardy variety planted, protect them anyway*

• Camellia
• English Laurel, such as Skip Laurel. Especially if recently planted.

Steps to take:

1. Ensure there are 2-4” of mulch covering the root system of the plant. Add more if necessary. Asheville Mulch Yard is a good source for mulch, and reach out to us if you need a delivery!
2. Water deeply before temperatures drop below 32 degrees. Air gaps in the soil can drop the soil temperature below the ambient air temperature. The water will freeze around the roots and insulate them.
3. Wrap vulnerable shrubs with frost cloth, burlap or a sheet. Start from the bottom, pinning it down with stakes, wrapping toward the top.
4. Wilt-pruf is a spray-on product that can protect tender, recently planted evergreens such as camellias and English laurel. It can be found at Reem's Creek Nursery.

Feel free to reach out to us if you would like assistance with winter garden protection, or have any questions. May your gardens be well protected for their sleep in the dormant winter months, so they may grow and thrive come spring!