The significant drop in temperatures over the past few days is a good indicator to pay attention to tender plants. They require appropriate winter protection; here are some tips to keep your favourite plants intact.

Tender plants

Often grown in pots in colder regions, non-hardy plants, meaning those that are sensitive to frost and die at temperatures below -5°C (such as citrus trees and palms), should be wintered indoors or in a bright, frost-free location.

What you need to know: While deciduous varieties enter dormancy in winter, those with evergreen foliage need to be watered and stored in a ventilated, well-lit room. Watering frequency should be once a month to once every two weeks, depending on the storage temperature; be careful not to overwater, as the compost remains moist for longer at this time.

Semi hardy plants

Semi-hardy plants, which can remain in the ground but may freeze at temperatures below -10°C, should be protected either with a winter cover for evergreens or a layer of leaves for deciduous plants.

What you need to know: Evergreens (Trachycarpus, Pittosporum, rosemary...) are sensitive to cold, damp winds, so it is important to cover all the branches with a winter cover, which should be removed regularly during the day to allow the foliage to receive light. More resistant to cold, deciduous varieties (hedychiums, gunneras, bananas...) should be protected with a litter layer of straw or leaves, which will provide thermal insulation and prevent the soil from freezing around the stump.