COLD HARDY

Well, by definition, tropical plants prefer temperatures above 50° F. That being said, there are many tropical plants that can survive if temperatures drop into the 30’s for only a short time. If you live in an area that gets a lot of cold in the winter, you would be best to choose cold tolerant plants. Many of those, such as the olive trees and many other fruit trees actually need some cold, known as chill hours, in order to produce fruit. These are frost resistant plants. There are many flowering plants that will also take some cold, although the flowers themselves are usually not tolerant of frost.

There are some frost resistant plants in the tropical and subtropical families, meaning they will tolerate some frost. Others, especially most true tropical plants can easily die if their leaves are frosted. Many cannot tolerate temperatures below 40° F. Surprisingly, many avocado trees can tolerate frost and even a short period of below freezing temperatures. Mango trees also may be able to tolerate a light frost, but it is advisable to cover them if you expect frost. With any subtropical plant, please remember that they need to be well established before they can take this chill, so be prepared to cover them if you expect frost.

Yes, there are many subtropical plants that will survive a freeze as long as it does not get too cold for too long. We would be hesitant to say that any subtropical plants could be classified as frost proof plants as frost can occur when temperatures are in the mid 30’s and lower. If your frost includes a hard freeze, you will need to take extra steps to save your delicate subtropical plants. Move them inside if they are in pots. Cardboard boxes make good insulating covers and mulch pulled up around the trunks of trees can help. Most plants can survive winter, it just depends on what kind of plants, where you are located and where they are planted on your property.

You can find cold tolerant tropical plants and trees for sale in our online store. If you are looking for plants for sale near you and you are in the Southwest Florida, Ft. Myers area, please visit our Garden Center located at 13890 Orange River Blvd., Ft. Myers, FL 33905 and see the collection of tropical and subtropical plants to create a butterfly garden. Our expert sales stuff will help you to start or enlarge your butterfly garden!