Freeze-Proof Plants
- Lily-of-the-Valley. Don't let its dainty blooms fool you — lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria majalis) is a tough plant.
- Siberian Iris. Hardy to Zone 3, Siberian iris shakes off cold cold winters.
- American Mountain Ash.
- Coral Bells (Heuchera)
- Pansies.
- Hosta.
- Siberian Cypress.
- 'Fastigiata' Spruce (Picea pungens var.
Agaves grow best in the Southwest and Mediterranean climates, but are adaptable and can also be grown out of their zones in pots if given winter protection.
The syrup has a very long shelf life, so freezing to extend it doesn't really make sense. Either way, if for some reason you need to freeze agave nectar, use an ice cube tray so you can quickly thaw as much syrup as you need to.
Cacti are among the best known warm-weather plants, so you may be surprised to hear about freeze damage to cactus. But even in summer toasty regions of Arizona, temperatures can dip down to below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 C.) in winter. This can result in freeze damage to cactus.
Not all cacti plant species are the same. While others will survive in cold areas with temperatures as low as -20oF, others cannot tolerate anything below the freezing point. Even though some of the cacti species are tolerant to low temperatures, ice, and freezing rain can spell doom for your plants.
In winter, keep cacti and succulents above freezing. Some plants prefer a nighttime temperature of 35-40ºF (some cacti and other succulents can endure temperatures well below freezing if kept absolutely dry.) More tropical succulents like adeniums, euphorbias, lithops, and stapeliads prefer a minimum of 50-60 degrees.
The tequila agave is native to the states of Jalisco, Colima, Nayarit and Aguascalientes in Mexico. The plant favors altitudes of more than 1,500 metres (5,000 ft) and grows in rich and sandy soils. Blue agave plants grow into large succulents, with spiky fleshy leaves, that can reach over 2 metres (7 ft) in height.
Native to the southern United States, Mexico, the Caribbean and northern South America, Agave plants grow best in the Southwest and Mediterranean climates, but some are quite cold hardy. However, keep in mind that to survive cold temperatures, most Agaves must be planted in an area with excellent drainage.
Insert the shovel blade into the soil around the outer perimeter of the root zone, working around the plant until the soil is loosened. Slide the shovel under the root system and pry the agave out of the ground. After lifting the agave, dust any exposed wounds with sulfur powder to ward off infection.
The genus Agave (from the Ancient Greek αγαυή, agauê) is primarily known for its succulent and xerophytic species that typically form large rosettes of strong, fleshy leaves. Plants in this genus may be considered perennial, because they require several to many years to mature and flower.
Agaves need full sun and gritty soil that percolates easily. They can even do quite well when potted but use an unglazed clay pot that will allow evaporation of excess moisture. Water needs are moderate to light depending upon the heat of the season but the plants should be allowed to dry out before irrigation.
Agaves produce tall flowering stems, but they can take from about 5 to 40 years to do so, depending on the species. One may also ask, how Fast Do century plants grow?
Agave are another classic succulent plant with fierce pointed leaves and uncomplaining natures that make excellent zone 7 succulents.
Planting AgaveAgave prefers well-drained sandy soils. They require moist soil until the roots are established, then prefer to dry out between watering. Most agave varieties require at least six hours of sunlight daily. Nursery-grown plants should be planted in a hole large enough to hold the root ball at ground level.
10 Cold Hardy Succulents
- Queen Victoria Agave (Agave victoriae-reginae)
- Red Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora)
- Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum)
- Parry's Agave (Agave parryi)
- Aloe' Blue Elf'
- Thompson's Yucca (Yucca thompsoniana)
- Broadleaf Stonecrop (Sedum spathulifolium)
- Texas Sotol (Dasylirion texanum)
Many people are surprised to learn that there are lots of succulents that can live outdoors all year, even in snowy climates. Hardy succulents: Tolerate frost and can stay outdoors through below-freezing temperatures. They're ideal for year-round, outdoor growing. In fact, hardy succulents grow better outdoors than in!
Succulent Freeze Damaged PlantsFreezing causes massive cellular damage both inside and outside of the plant. However, many of these plants are remarkably hardy. Don't cut off the foliage or stems on damaged succulents. If you see signs of new leaves and growth, the plant is salvageable.
If the frostbite gets down into the stem of the succulent it's likely it won't be able to be saved. However, you can cut off and clean out any damaged parts of the plant, and your succulent is more likely to survive. Once you've cut off the damaged areas, wait another 2-3 days before watering.
Easily grown in slightly acidic, sandy or gravelly, moist or dry, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates part shade, particularly in hot desert gardens where light shade will prevent scorching of the foliage. Keep in a frost-free area in winter and put it out on the patio or balcony in summer.
Depending on how long temps stay below freezing (32 degrees F), "frost tender" succulents may show varying degrees of damage. When moisture in the cells of a vulnerable plant freezes, it expands, bursts cell walls, and turns leaves to mush. In a "light frost," leaf tips alone may show damage ("frost burn").
Some succulents, such as Echeveria, Crassula, and Aloe will need frost protection when the temp drops below 45 Fahrenheit degrees. Most of the others can survive when the temp is above 40 Fahrenheit degrees. Regardless of genus, you should never put your succulents in freezing temperature.
Succulents can handle the cold as well as the heat. Just like the desert which can have cold nights, a succulent can live in temperatures down to even 40 degrees F.
Overwintering SedumsSince most sedums are very hardy (check your plant tag to find the hardiness zone), you can leave them outside if they are in a pot that can survive the ravages of winter. Pots that are heaped with snow all winter long often survive better than those that remain exposed to the air.
Honey is safe for dogs to eat in small quantities. Sugars can also cause tooth decay, so it might be a good idea to brush your dog's teeth if you do feed him honey. Raw honey should not be fed to puppies or dogs with compromised immune systems, as it may contain the presence of botulism spores.
It is safest to assume all parts of the Agave are toxic. The only part of the Agave plant which is not toxic without preparation is the flower. Flowers eaten raw are said to be quite tasty. All other parts of the plant must be carefully handled, harvested, and prepared if they are to be eaten or otherwise used.
Luckily, most succulents are considered non-toxic and are harmless to pets when ingested. Others contain skin irritants that can cause minor skin irritations, and some can cause mild symptoms when ingested.
When ingested by animals, clinical signs of drooling, vomiting, weakness, incoordination and dilated pupils (cats) may be seen. This plant is more dangerous to large animals that are chronically grazing (eating) on this plant. Typically, when dogs and cats ingest yucca, it results in mild vomiting and diarrhea.
Maple syrup is safe for your dog and contains an excellent source of manganese and zinc that supports the immune system. However, maple syrup contains a high content of sugar. Dogs that consume too much sugar can become obese or develop diabetes. Avoid any imitation maple syrups that contain xylitol.
Maple syrup is very sweet, and that sweetness mostly comes from the sucrose (sugar) it contains. This means it's not a good choice for dogs with diabetes. Don't confuse pure maple syrup with syrups labelled 'pancake' syrup or 'breakfast syrup'. These often contain high fructose corn syrup with added flavoring.
He also says that the juice of the leaf and particularly the outer layers of the leaf are highly irritant to the skin. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has a very good website with lists of toxic and non-toxic plants for dogs, cats and horses.
Although considered a medicinal plant for humans, aloe vera's level of toxicity is mild to moderate for cats and dogs. Vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, depression, anorexia, tremors, change in urine colour.
Toxicity. Agave plants are mildly toxic to cats, according to Midtown Animal Clinic, potentially causing painful skin irritation, rashes, diarrhea and vomiting. Agave plants contain oxalates, which are needle-shaped crystals.
