Cold Temps and Plants..

I'd not worry too much, it is mostly continuous frost that kills slightly tender plants.
And dont get too mixed up with those silly "feels like" temps, they are for humans and warm blooded mammals.
Wind chill can dry plants out though if the roots are frozen.

So I'd not worry too much unless the cold goes on for more than a week or two.

 

Sally, try using old net curtains or blankets/thick sheets and wrap around the plants if money is tight at the mo, it's better than nothing. I watched a 2014 episode of Gardener's World on YouTube yesterday and Monty recommended this. Monday is -5 here at night and Tuesday -6 so I'll be doing the same for my Black & Blue as it's already showing signs of shoots at the base. Verdun is right about cuttings and one to remember for next year, free plants are always an insurance policy & bonus.

Then -2 all day Wednesday, Thursday and possibly Friday with a big easterly wind chill. We have been chopping wood today for the fire.

 

I too am slightly concerned about my Ceanothus of which I have 5. They are about 5 years old and well established so hopeful. I have lost Ceanothus before due to cold but that was EXTREMELY cold. From memory I think we went down to something like -22 back in about 1992ish.
Being on the east coast of Scotland we are expecting it to be baltic but luckily because it has been a fairly cold winter anyway there has not been much movement in the garden yet apart from all the Aconites and Snowdrops being out which won't be bothered. 1 or 2 of my Tree Peonies have started into growth tho so not happy about that!
I am never too convinced about fleece, Yes if you can keep the fleece off the plants I think it is a good idea but if you drape the fleece over the plant and it is touching the leaves/flowerbuds then it can do more damage than good in my experience.

 

I think you nailed it there @silu, new growth will be at definite risk, but nothing is yet showing much in my garden apart from Camellia flower buds.

I too think fleece is pretty useless and use old blankets for frost protection on my Strelitzia, Bougie and Protea.

 

I've got a few plants showing new growth @pete but my camellia is at the same stage as yours and the leaves are nice and healthy shinning

 

Just a thought. Might be worth nipping into any charity shops and askjng for anything sheet wise they wont be selling but throwing out?
You might strike lucky and pick up a blanket / duvet. I m8ght just do this myself next year as im sorted right now.
Watch out for the usual store clearance deals beginning of summer. Thats when i buy my gardening stuff when its out of season for next year. Fleece ,feed,tools etc etc.

 

Good suggestion @WeeTam

 

Thanks for the good advice Verdun.

I really hope ALL of our (And everybody's!) plants make it through!!

 

Hi @Sally Parker I'm hoping the same as you for we all and especially my bottle brushes

Welcome to GC Sally as I can't remember welcoming you

 

Fingers crossed then Gail_68 for your bottle brushes and thanks for the welcome!

 

I've just covered the curry plant with a blanket!

Haven't really got anything to do the rest with though.

As Pete above said though, these -12 temps are only 'feels like' and that probably more likely applies to humans and other warm blooded animals than plants! I do still worry though.

 

@Sally Parker all GC members are worried but besides the worry it will stress we out keep thinking about it...I've done what I can and I'm going to think in a positive mind because to many plants have gone in the bin and been replaced in 10yrs

 

Good idea @JWK ... my hubby said when the weather drops and it looks like it's affecting the Camellia buds, he's going to put four wooden steaks in the ground and through over a cover to try and help it

 

Just got home from Japan amd went straight outside to cover up my hydrangeas which have new buds growing.. Also covered the rhodos as the leaves looked droopy and after moving them about last year and there being no flowers, I'm damned if they are going to die on me!!!

Also covered over my patio peach tree and brought in the potted hydrangea and azalea i rescued last year.