Frost-tender plants can add beauty, color, and a touch of the tropics to a Sonoma County garden, but they also come with a degree of risk. When Details Landscape Art selects plant material for a new landscape, we generally take a conservative approach, choosing plants that are well suited to our local climate and growing conditions.
Northern California enjoys warm, dry summers, but winter weather can be unpredictable. Some years are mild, while others bring extended periods of freezing temperatures. Understanding which plants are frost tender can help homeowners avoid disappointment and protect their investment.
Understanding Sonoma County Microclimates
Winters vary considerably throughout Sonoma County.
Some years are wet and rainy, while others are remarkably dry. Likewise, some winters may see only a few frosty mornings, while others bring a dozen or more nights below freezing. Every once in a while, we even wake up to a dusting of snow.
We also have what we call climate pockets—small areas that remain slightly warmer than surrounding neighborhoods. A plant that struggles in one location may thrive just a few miles away.
Many frost-tender plants can tolerate temperatures around 30 to 32 degrees for a night or two. Problems usually begin when temperatures drop into the twenties for several consecutive nights.
When Frost-Tender Plants Are Worth the Risk
There are times when a homeowner specifically requests a particular plant, or when we feel a plant is attractive enough to justify taking a chance.
Some tropical plants simply do not tolerate freezing weather and are best avoided in most Sonoma County gardens unless the homeowner is willing to replace them every year.
Examples include:
- Bougainvillea
- Hibiscus
- Certain tropical tree ferns
These plants may perform beautifully during mild winters but can be severely damaged or killed by extended freezing temperatures.
Frost-Tender Plants We Occasionally Use
There are also plants that we consider moderately frost tender. These may suffer damage during cold winters but often recover when spring arrives.
Some examples include:
Lantana
Available in many flower colors, lantana is one of the more reliable frost-tender plants. Purple varieties tend to be the hardiest. Even if damaged by frost, lantana often returns after being cut back hard in spring.
Cineraria
Cineraria provides excellent winter and early spring color but can be susceptible to severe freezes.
Cineraria is one of many frost-tender plants
Coleonema ‘Gold Sunset’
Also known as Gold Breath of Heaven, this attractive shrub is particularly vulnerable during its first winter in the ground. Once established, it typically becomes much more resilient.
Tibouchina (Princess Flower)
Princess Flower produces spectacular purple blooms and is one of those plants we occasionally feel is worth taking a chance on. During cold spells, protective covering can help improve its chances of survival.
Citrus Trees
Lemon and lime trees are marginally frost tender in colder parts of Sonoma County. We often recommend growing them in large containers where they can be moved to a protected location during severe freezes.
Purple Fountain Grass
Pennisetum rubrum may or may not survive a cold winter. Some years it rebounds beautifully in spring; other years it may require replacement.
Protecting Plants from Frost
Moderately frost-tender plants can often be protected during cold weather.
Specialized frost cloths are widely available and can provide effective protection when temperatures fall into the upper twenties or low thirties for a night or two. Covering plants before sunset and removing the covers during the day generally provides the best results.
Unfortunately, when temperatures remain well below freezing for extended periods, even protective coverings may not prevent damage.
Many frost-tender plants will lose foliage or suffer dieback but recover once the weather warms and dead material is pruned away.
Using Frost-Tender Plants Wisely
When a landscape design calls for large masses of a particular plant, we tend to be conservative. A mass planting represents a significant investment, and losing dozens of plants after a severe winter can be costly.
We are much more likely to experiment with one or two specimen plants where the potential loss is limited and the reward may be worth the risk.
At Details Landscape Art, we believe successful plant selection means balancing beauty with practicality. Frost-tender plants certainly have a place in Sonoma County gardens, but understanding their limitations helps homeowners make informed decisions and avoid unpleasant surprises when winter arrives.