Late fall and winter are excellent times to plant trees and shrubs, contrary to what many homeowners might think. While we often think of spring as the prime planting season, there are several advantages to planting during the cooler months. Our guide explores the benefits of late-season planting, provides tips for success, and addresses common concerns about planting trees and shrubs when temperatures drop.
Planting shrubs in the winter may seem counterintuitive, but it can actually be an ideal time in many regions With the right conditions and proper care, winter planting allows shrubs to establish roots before spring growth surges This article explores when and how to successfully plant shrubs during winter dormancy.
Understanding Shrub Dormancy in Winter
Shrubs enter a dormant phase in winter when growth slows dramatically. Dormancy is the plant’s way of conserving energy to survive cold conditions. While dormant the shrub directs its resources toward developing roots rather than foliage. This makes the relatively warmer winter months perfect for planting shrubs in areas with milder climates.
When is it Safe to Plant Shrubs in Winter?
Winter planting success depends largely on soil temperature. The ideal window is when the soil is cool but not frozen. Here are tips for determining if winter planting is viable in your region:
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Consult local resources – Check with Cooperative Extension offices or garden centers to learn the typical winter soil temperatures and frost dates in your area. This provides tailored guidance for your microclimate
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Conduct soil tests – Use a soil thermometer to check temperatures around the proposed planting site. The soil should maintain a temperature above 40°F for several weeks after planting to allow root growth.
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Wait until the shrub is dormant – Plant shrubs in winter after they have lost all their foliage and entered dormancy. Evergreen shrubs are the exception, as they keep their leaves year-round.
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Avoid extreme cold – Refrain from planting if long stretches of freezing weather are expected following planting. Consistently frigid conditions can damage tender new roots.
Best Shrubs for Winter Planting
Many deciduous shrubs thrive when planted in winter, including:
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Forsythias – Prized for their early yellow blooms.
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Spirea – Offers colorful flowers and variable sizes.
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Hydrangea – Known for showy, lush blossoms.
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Viburnum – Features clusters of white flowers and berries.
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Bluebeard shrubs – Valued for long-lasting summer flowers.
Evergreen shrubs are vulnerable to desiccation and generally should be planted in spring or fall.
How to Plant Shrubs in Winter
Follow these tips for success with winter shrub plantings:
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Choose a site with conditions suited to the shrub’s needs like sunlight, drainage, and space.
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Prepare the soil by loosening and amending it with compost if needed.
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Dig a hole about twice the width of the root ball but only as deep as the root flare.
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Carefully remove the shrub from its container without damaging the root ball.
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Place the shrub in the hole, ensuring the root flare sits slightly above ground level.
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Backfill with native soil, firming it gently around the roots.
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Water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets and moisten roots.
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Mulch around the base, keeping mulch a few inches from the stem.
Caring for Newly Planted Winter Shrubs
Proper aftercare ensures your new shrubs thrive after planting in cold weather:
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Water regularly – Supply approximately 1 inch of water per week until the ground freezes.
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Protect from frost heaving – Apply mulch to moderate soil temperature shifts.
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Guard against desiccation – Wrap or screen evergreen shrubs to reduce wind and sun exposure.
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Prevent wildlife browsing – Use fencing or tree guards to deter hungry animals from nibbling twigs.
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Fertilize later – Withhold fertilizer until signs of growth emerge in spring.
Planting dormant shrubs in winter can give them a head start on developing robust root systems before spring. Just be sure to choose suitable plants, check soil temperatures, provide attentive aftercare, and avoid extreme cold snaps. With the right conditions, winter planting leads to healthy, vigorous shrubs.
Advantages of Late-Season Planting
Late fall and winter planting have several advantages, such as reduced watering needs due to cooler temperatures, increased rainfall, and less competition from weeds and pests due to colder weather. Winter plantings also provide more time for root development before the hustle of spring growth begins. As a bonus, you may find lower prices on nursery stock as the growing season concludes.
Determining the Right Planting Window
In most regions, late fall planting occurs from mid-October through early December. Winter planting may also be feasible in areas with milder climates where the ground doesn’t freeze. To pinpoint the best planting dates, consult with your local gardening resources that provide information tailored to your region’s climate and soil conditions.
Can You Shape Shrubs In The Winter? – The Plant Enthusiast
FAQ
What temperature is too cold to plant shrubs?
Insert the thermometer down into the soil for a few days in a row. If the soil consistently measures 50° F or higher, it’s safe to plant your deciduous tree or shrub. But, if the soil test proves the ground is too cold, plan to plant during the upcoming spring or fall seasons instead.
Is it okay to plant shrubs in the winter?
Late fall and winter planting have several advantages, such as reduced watering needs due to cooler temperatures, increased rainfall, and less competition from weeds and pests due to colder weather. Winter plantings also provide more time for root development before the hustle of spring growth begins.
What is the best month to plant shrubs?
When is the Best Time to Plant Trees, Shrubs and Flowers for the Best Results? The best time to plant trees, flowers, or any plant is during the dormant season. In North America, this is usually late fall through early spring.
What is the best shrub to plant for winter?
- Viburnum tinus ‘Gwenllian’ …
- Viburnum x bodnantense ‘Dawn’ …
- Skimmia x confusa ‘Kew Green’ …
- Mahonia x media ‘Underway’ …
- Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Arnold Promise’ …
- Daphne bholua ‘Jacqueline Postill’ …
- Coronilla valentina subsp. …
- Cornus mas ‘Golden Glory’
Can you plant trees in fall or winter?
While you can plant many trees and shrubs in late fall or winter, certain species are particularly well-suited to this time of year. Trees that typically do well when planted in fall or winter include: Oak: Known for its sturdy nature and adaptability. Maple: Valued for its vibrant foliage and hardiness.
Can you plant deciduous trees in the winter?
The Southern climate provides ample opportunity to plant deciduous trees and shrubs during the winter months, a time when there is less demand on the root systems to provide water to foliage, flowers, and fruits. With winter planting, dormant trees and shrubs can focus their resources on root establishment.
What can you plant in winter?
Gardeners can take a cue from nature and use winter as a time to plant seeds of a variety of annual and perennial flowers. Winter is also a great time to plant dormant trees and shrubs, including roses and fruit trees. And don’t forget cool-season edibles. The vegetable garden kicks off in early winter when a variety of crops are established.
Should evergreens be planted in winter?
Among trees and shrubs, broadleaf and needled evergreens should not be planted in winter. The foliage of evergreen plants continues to lose water throughout winter. Planting during winter can put too much stress on evergreen plants that are trying to establish roots while also providing adequate water to leaves.
Can you plant bare root plants in winter?
Hydrate bare root plants before planting by soaking the roots in a bucket of water for at least two hours, but no more than 24 hours. Dormant container-grown trees and shrubs can also be planted in winter. Gardeners living in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 10, including the Deep South and much of the coastline, can plant throughout winter.
When should you plant trees & shrubs?
Planting trees and shrubs in late fall or winter offers several benefits for the plants and the homeowner. During this time, plants enter or are already dormant, reducing stress on newly transplanted specimens. The cooler temperatures and increased rainfall typical of these seasons also create favorable conditions for root establishment.