Frost on leaves
Winter means FROST.
Even though it’s been a warmish winter in many areas, cold damage to plants can still occur. It pays to locate the warmer spots in your garden so that you can put warmth-loving plants in those areas.
Traditionally, cold-hating plants like frangipanis, jacarandas, bouganvilleas, lychees, etc are all planted near north to northwesterly facing masonry walls. These walls of brick or concrete absorb heat during the day and radiate it at night to help your plants.
Frost-tender young plants can be covered with a large clear-plastic bag to create a warm tent over winter. Once the plants get over 2m tall they usually cope fairly well by themselves. After 3 winters usually they can cope.
Some still-rotting compost over their roots will help to keep the roots warm as well.
With care, you can grow tropical plants in most areas. In Sandy Bay in Hobart I’ve seen jacarandas, silky oaks and tibouchinas.
Hooroo! Don
