Winter Care for Shrubs

The majority of shrubs will not need any special winter protection; however, you will need to take particular care of the following:

• Newly-planted shrubs, especially evergreens.
• Shrubs in containers - even hardy plants will die if their root ball becomes frozen.
• Shrubs that are tender or borderline hardy in your area.
• Shrubs vulnerable to wind damage, such as upright conifers.
• Plants growing in windy, exposed sites or on a soil that is waterlogged in winter, such as sticky clay.

Newly-Planted Shrubs

It is the cold winds of winter, rather than the cold itself that damages newly planted shrubs. Until the root system has become fully established, the wind can quickly dry the plant out. Evergreen shrubs are particularly at risk. Set up a temporary windbreak over the plant to filter out the wind using posts and windbreak netting or hessian. Avoid solid barriers as this will cause wind turbulence.

Container Shrubs

Protect the root ball of hardy shrubs in containers by wrapping the pot in a double layer of bubble wrap.

Tender Shrubs

Move any tender shrubs under cover before the first frost, either into a greenhouse or conservatory.

Borderline Hardy Shrubs

Protect the base of any borderline-hardy shrubs growing in the ground from frost by using a 15 cm (6 in) deep layer of insulating material such as bark chips, bracken or straw. Hold this in place with netting or garden fleece secured with pegs. Check the layer regularly; replace it if it becomes waterlogged, and remove in early spring to prevent any premature growth.

Conifer Shrubs

Snow can permanently spoil the neat-shape of many upright conifers, especially if it is allowed to settle on upright branches, forcing them to bend outwards. Wrap hessian or black or green netting around the shrub to hold the shape together. This technique can be also be applied to conifer trees.