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What tropical plants survived Floridas historic freeze without protection
Florida historic freeze
What tropical plants survived Florida's historic freeze without protection
In the first week of February 2026, arctic air pushed deep into Florida. For many areas, this was the coldest event in over a century.
We received one question over and over: How did your gardens do?
Top Tropicals Farm in Sebring, Florida is up and running - and this freeze became a real-world hardiness test for tropical and subtropical plants. Below is our initial field report after inspecting established plantings.
📊 Weather data - February 1-6, 2026
Sebring, Florida - 132 years of recorded observations
This was not a light frost. It was prolonged, windy, penetrating hard freeze.
🌡 Minimum temperature: 25F ❄️ Wind chill: 14F ⏳ Duration: 3 nights of 8-10 hour hard freeze ☀️ Daytime temperatures: around 50F for 7 days 🌀 Wind: sustained 20 mph, gusts 40-50 mph
Cold protection
In-ground trees: selected plants covered with frost cloth, especially mango and young avocado trees. Tender container plants: moved into greenhouses with propane heat above 34F. Hardy container plants: frost cloth and wind protection only - no plastic Nutrition support: plants fertilized regularly during the growing season with Green Magic and Sunshine Boosters to maintain vigor and hardiness.
However, the plants listed below had no protection at all.
All were established trees 2-3 years in the ground.
The plants below had NO PROTECTION, established trees 2-3 years old
Beaucarnea recurvata - Pony Tail
Callistemon - Bottlebrush
Yucca
Tabebuias
Magnolia figo and Little Gem
Calliandra tweedii - Red Powderpuff
Sophora tomentosa
Galphimia gracillis - Thriallis
Acacia trees
Osmanthus fragrans
Abutilon trees
Erythrina - several species
Monkey Ear tree - Enterolobium cyclocarpum
Bauhinia Orchid Trees - several species
Pseudobombax ellipticum - Shaving Brush Tree
Bulnesia arborea- Vera Wood
Caesalpinia mexicana, Mexican Bird of Paradise
Sansevieria - Snake Plant
Foxtail fern - Asparagus densiflorus
Lonicera - several varieties
Jacaranda tree
Eucalyptus
Plumbago Imperial Blue
Philodendron bipinnatum
Gardenias
Gingers (dormant rhizomes)
✳️ Minimal leaf damage only:
(These plants showed light cosmetic damage but no structural injury)
🍑 Tropical Fruit Trees and Edibles:
Glycosmis pentaphylla - Gin Berry
Black sapote tree
Tamarind tree
Syzygiums: Rose Apple and Java Plum
🌸 Flowering Trees and Shrubs:
Pandora vine
Jasminum - several species
Stenocarpus sinuatus - Firewheel Tree
Xanthostemon
Quisqualis indica
Schotia tree
Eranthemum pulchellum - Blue Sage
Hiptage benghalensis - Helicopter Flower
🏡 What this means for Florida gardeners
This freeze was a stress test few gardens are prepared for. Yet many species handled 25F, wind, and multi-night freeze conditions without protection.
Choosing proven survivors, planting in smart microclimates, and maintaining strong plant health during the growing season makes a measurable difference.
More updates will follow as full recovery continues - but these early results already help define a stronger plant palette for future winters.
Sunshine: You know, February 27 was International Polar Bear Day. I
just learned about it and got a brilliant marketing idea. Cherry of the Rio
Grande survived 25F. With wind. Real wind. That means we go north. Let them
taste this magic. I even have a donut recipe with the fruit. It’s a
bomb,
Smokey. We expand. Trust me. Finally you can afford that new watering
timer.
Smokey: Not so fast, genius. Twenty five degrees is not the North
Pole. And polar bears and penguins do not share zip codes.
Sunshine: You always pour cold water on my brilliance. Fine. Where
do we start?
Smokey: Well, first you go talk to Tatiana. She graduated from the
Geography Department. She can explain climate zones. Cherry of the Rio
Grande
can grow in North Florida, Texas, and similar climates. Let’s master
that before we conquer Arctic.
Sunshine: So… Phase One: Geography?
Smokey: Exactly.
Some stories are easier to tell with a little humor. Smokey and Sunshine
were never just mascots. They represent the two forces behind every decision
we make here: bold ideas and careful reality. One dreams big. The other
checks
the climate zone map. Together, they remind us that growing plants is part
science, part optimism, and always personal. If you have ever wondered why
they keep appearing in our newsletters, you can read their full story on the
Smokey and Sunshine page. They have been with us longer than most people
realize.
Freeze Testing of Grumichama and Cherry of Rio Grande
🍒❄️
Eugenia brasiliensis - Grumichama tree flowering and fruiting
When temperatures dropped to 25F, with wind chill near 14F, winter made
it clear which tropical trees were truly resilient. Some plants burned back.
Tender growth collapsed. But our established Eugenia cherries stood
steady. Leaves held. Branches stayed flexible. The canopy remained intact.
Cherry of the Rio Grande (Eugenia aggregata) and Grumichama (Eugenia brasiliensis) are among the most cold-hardy tropical
cherries for Southern gardens. Both are native to Brazil and thrive in USDA
Zones 9b–11, and even protected 9a sites.
Cherry of the Rio Grande produces dark ruby fruit that ripens
almost black, with a rich, full cherry flavor. It flowers early in spring
and
can fruit well into summer. Mature trees can tolerate brief drops into the
low
20s once established. Trees typically grow 8 to 15 feet tall, remain
naturally compact, and often begin fruiting within 2 to 3 years.
Grumichama is an evergreen tree known for both beauty and
productivity. In spring, it covers itself in white starburst flowers that
attract
pollinators. Within about four weeks, glossy purple-black fruit develops.
Established trees tolerate temperatures into the upper 20s and grow well in
the
ground or in 5–10 gallon containers. Mature trees can produce hundreds
of
fruits per season.
Across the Eugenia group, strengths are consistent: early
bearing, compact growth, heat tolerance, light freeze endurance, and low
pest
pressure. They are adaptable to different soils, need modest water once
established, and perform in full sun or partial shade. Birds enjoy the
fruit, but there
is usually plenty to share.
Nutritionally, Eugenia cherries provide Vitamin C, fiber,
antioxidants, and notable Vitamin A that supports eye health. They offer
sweetness
with real dietary value.
In the kitchen, they are simple and rewarding. Cherry of the Rio Grande
makes an easy
compote. Simmer the fruit with a small amount of water until soft, mash
lightly, and spoon over pancakes or warm bread. Grumichama turns into a deep
red
jam with sugar and lime, or can be blended into a bright spoon drizzle over
vanilla ice cream.
Even when not fruiting, both trees remain attractive year-round with
glossy evergreen foliage and clean structure. They fit well into edible
landscapes, small yards, and container gardens.
Winter will return. The difference lies in planting fruit trees that can
handle heat, humidity, and the occasional cold snap. If you are building a
food forest for lasting harvests, cold-hardy tropical cherries like Cherry
of
the Rio Grande and Grumichama deserve a place in your garden.
Ripe Grumichama (Eugenia brasiliensis) fruits developing on the
tree, turning deep red to nearly black when fully mature.
Eugenia aggregata (cv. Calycina), Cherry of the Rio Grande
Q: I grow ginger for cooking, but I know that
some varieties have showy flowers. What gingers can you recommend as
ornamentals?
A: Ginger is famous for its culinary and
medicinal uses, and many species are also strikingly beautiful, making them perfect
centerpieces for tropical gardens or potted plant collections, especially in
shaded spots. Here are a few of our favorite cultivars.
1. Yellow Butterfly Ginger
Hedychium flavum
x coronarium - Yellow Butterfly Ginger, Nardo Ginger Lily - rare hybrid
of White Butterfly ginger we mentioned earlier
(https://t.me/TopTropicals/710), it is more vigorous and tall than its parent. With attractive long green
leaves with a slight fuzziness, this ginger has open long spikes of pastel
yellow flowers with a beautiful heady aroma. Exquisitely fragrant!
2. Variegated Spiral Ginger
Costus
arabicus (amazonicus) variegata - Variegated Spiral Ginger - is a tropical stunner
originally from South America but adored in Hawaii and Florida. This ginger's
eye-catching, spiraling stems are streaked with striking white variegation,
topped with elegant pure white flowers with yellow centers. The pure white
blooms are truly a piece of art! Perfect for shade gardens, this plant thrives
in moist soil and loves plenty of water. If you're looking to add a bit of
drama and elegance to your garden, this beauty is a must-have!
3. Pine Cone (Shampoo) Ginger
Zingiber
Zerumbet - Pine Cone Ginger, Shampoo Ginger - is probably the most popular one.
All parts of this ginger are spicy fragrant. The cone shaped flowers are long
lasting and useful for cut flower arrangements. It is in fact used as a
shampoo in Asia and Hawaii, and as an ingredient in several commercial shampoos!
Pinecone ginger is considered a "canoe plant", that is, a plant introduced
throughout the Pacific by the ancient Polynesian settlers.
4. Spiral Raspberry Ginger
Costus
vargasii - Spiral Ginger Raspberry Yogurt - The name refers to the colorful
raspberry colored stem, but that's not the only colorful thing about it: the leaves
are dark green, long and glossy with velvety deep purple undersides. The
inflorescence is a vivid red with tight bracts and bold yellow flowers. The
butterflies love to drink the nectar from the flowers. Large vigorous ginger,
growing up to 5-6 ft tall.
5. Cameroon Costus African Princess
Costus
fissiligulatus - African Princess, Cameroon Costus - from Gabon in West Africa. It
has a dazzling pink trumpet flower with a yellow throat. It is very
floriferous with an inflorescence of numerous flower buds on a shortish plant of 3-4
ft that stands very erect. It is an easy grower.
6. Red Button Ginger (French Kiss)
Costus spicatus x
woodsonii - Red Button Ginger, French Kiss: this ginger's inflorescence
resembles a cluster of bright red buttons, making it a standout in tropical
gardens.
7. White Butterfly Ginger
Hedychium
coronarium - White Butterfly Ginger is a must for every Southern garden. It is
famous for its intense, sweet scent. Symbol of Hawaiian Paradise along with
Plumeria and Jasmine. It is popular in Hawaii and the Pacific Islands for leis
and hair adornments and bears fragrant, butterfly-resembling flowers in
summer. It has long lasting cut flowers, ideal for scenting the home. Can survive
light freezes, with tops regrowing in the spring. Takes sun or shade.
8. Laos Silver Stripe Peacock Ginger
Kaempferia
angustifolia - Laos Silver Stripe is one of the most beautiful of all the
Kaempferia Peacock Ginger cultivars. It is one of the large types. The plant has
boldly striped leaves of green and silver. The flowers are orchid shaped white
and purple. Small, compact perennial, great for container culture. This hard
to find variety is a must for every Ginger collector.
Smokey and Sunshine Wrap Up the Garden with Frost Cloth Before the
Chill.
Smokey: "Thermometer says 45. Time to wrap the bananas!"
Sunshine: "You wrap the bananas. I’ll guard the mulch… from this
sunny spot."
Smokey: "Teamwork, Sunshine. Teamwork."
🌡️ Cold nights are coming - but your
tropicals do not need to shiver!
Even in sunny Florida and other warm zones, one cold snap
can undo months of growth. Preparation is everything. Tropical plants can
handle a lot, but they dislike surprises. Let’s make sure
your garden stays safe, strong, and happy all winter long.
Tips from Tatiana Anderson, Top Tropicals Plant
Expert
👉 Group and Check Your Plants
You already know which plants are in pots and which are in the ground.
What matters now is prioritizing by cold sensitivity.
Identify the tender tropicals – papaya, banana, plumeria, adenium,
heliconia – and decide which ones get covered first when temperatures
drop.
Keep frost cloths or old sheets near those areas, ready to grab fast. If
your garden is large,
label protection zones or mark plants that always need extra care. The goal
is to have a plan, not a panic, when the cold alert hits.
Once you know your priorities, you can plan the rest of your protection
strategy.
👉 Feed and Mulch
Stop using high-nitrogen fertilizers by late fall. They push soft new growth
that freezes easily.
Add compost around the base of your plants and top with 3 to 4 inches of
mulch. Mulch acts like a blanket: it keeps warmth in, protects the roots,
and keeps soil moisture steady. Just make sure the soil drains well; cold
and soggy soil leads to root rot. In raised beds, check that water flows
away easily.
After you feed and mulch, it is time to look at how your local zone changes
the game.
👉 Zone-by-Zone Tips
Moving Tropical Plants Indoors for Winter Protection
Zone 10: You are lucky! This is mostly a maintenance season.
Watch for root rot after heavy rain, trim lightly if needed, and protect
tender young trees during surprise chills. Keep some frost cloth ready just
in case.
Zone 9: This is the main action zone. Nights can dip into the
30s. Deep-water your trees once before cold nights to insulate the roots.
Apply heavy mulch, and have frost protection ready to go. If you grow
tropical fruit like mango or guava, consider wrapping young trunks in burlap
or foam pipe insulation.
Zone 8: This is where tropical gardening becomes creative. Stick
to cold-hardy tropicals such as loquat, guava, or cold-hardy avocado
varieties. Use portable greenhouses, wrap trunks, and move smaller plants
indoors or to a heated porch when frost threatens.
Now that the garden beds are set, let’s look at your pots and
containers – your most mobile plants.
👉 Container and Patio Plants
Potted plants are the easiest to protect but also the quickest to freeze.
Start reducing watering now so roots do not stay too wet in cooler weather.
Before moving them, check for insects hiding under leaves or in the soil.
Group your pots close to a wall for reflected heat and wind protection.
If you plan to bring them indoors, do it gradually. Move them closer to the
house for a few days before bringing them all the way inside to help them
adjust to lower light and humidity.
When the chill starts, many gardeners rush to move everything inside at once
– but a smooth transition works much better.
👉 Indoor Plants
When bringing plants inside, give them a good rinse to remove dust and bugs,
and flush the soil to wash out salts from summer fertilizing. Keep
them separate from your houseplants for a week to make sure no pests come
along. Expect some leaf drop – it is normal as they adjust to lower
light. Give them bright light near a window, and cut watering by about half
until spring. Avoid misting too much; good airflow matters more than
humidity during winter.
Many tropicals, like hibiscus, brugmansia, and crotons, may look tired for a
while, but they will bounce back quickly once days get longer.
👉 Timing Is Everything
The key is to prepare before the first cold warning. Check your weather app
regularly once nights start dropping into the 50s. Keep covers, mulch, and
supplies ready so you are not running outside at midnight with a flashlight
and a frozen hose. Have your frost cloths labeled by plant group and stored
in an easy spot. A little organization now saves a lot of stress later.
Many tropicals, like hibiscus, brugmansia, and crotons, may look tired for a
while, but they will bounce back quickly once days get longer.
Remember: the goal is to help your plants rest safely. Many gardeners prune
or fertilize too late in the season – we will talk about why that can
be risky next week."— says Tatiana Anderson, Top Tropicals Plant
Expert
Coming next mail-list: The best gadgets for cold protection (lights,
heaters, frost covers) and what NOT to do in winter.
