Can drought-tolerant shrubs survive freezing temperatures?

Numerous shrubs with drought tolerance are astonishingly resilient to even freezing temperatures, given they are appropriately chosen. These adaptive plants offer both water efficiency and cold hardiness, and can perform all year round. For example, Winter Jasmine blooms in the snow while Blue Star Juniper withstands the extreme cold of Arctic blasts. Yes, sustainable beauty is possible, even in the most challenging climate.

The shrubs we are examining have remarkably adapted to survive cold conditions. Winter Jasmine sheds its leaves to reduce exposure to the cold. The Blue Star Juniper has a low, compact habit that sheds snow easily, making it a suitable choice for areas with heavy snowfall. Russian Sage dies back in the fall to protect the insulated crown. Barberry has flexible branches that bend rather than break under the weight of snow. Nature has developed some remarkably ingenious mechanisms for survival.

Soil Preparation for Planting Guarantees Cold Hardiness. When planting, always ensure that you place shrubs on the north side of slopes and avoid exposing them to early spring sun. This will prevent early growth that could be damaged by frost. I plant mine under windbreaks so that it reduces the chilling effect wind has on them. After the first freeze, I heavily mulch to make sure the roots are insulated from cold weather.

Timing is essential for watering in the winter. Water your plants deeply before the soil freezes in late fall. Be careful- do not water when the soil may freeze and thaw, which can damage roots. My rule is to water only when the ground feels workable and is above 40 degrees F (4 degrees C). Established shrubs generally will not need winter watering.

Zone verification protects against winter loss. Always select shrubs according to your USDA hardiness zone. I lost my Russian sage when planted in the next hardiness zone north of my actual one. It's always important to consult the zone maps before selecting plants. Microclimates with colder winters can exist even in higher USDA hardiness zones, allowing for the growth of plants that would otherwise be unacceptable. Check your site analysis before planting.

These hardy shrubs provide lovely winter interest. The vivid crimson branches of barberry contrast starkly with the white snow. The blue evergreen foliage of juniper "pops" against the vast winter white. The bright yellow flowers of winter jasmine lay claim to being winter flowers despite being covered in frost. Each of these durable performers provides value over a four-season period.

Read the full article: Top Drought Tolerant Shrubs for Every Garden