While winters in Charleston are typically mild, sudden cold snaps and hard freezes can still take a toll on our landscapes. Knowing how to prepare your garden before freezing temperatures arrive - and how to respond once the cold has passed - ​can help prevent long-term damage and encourage healthy recovery. With a few proactive steps and the right aftercare, most Charleston gardens can weather a freeze and rebound beautifully come spring.

​Below are our best tips for protecting your plants and helping them recover when cold weather strikes.

The first - and most effective - ​line of defense against freeze damage is plant selection. Choosing trees, shrubs, and perennials well-suited to the Charleston area (USDA Zones 8b–9a) gives your landscape a strong foundation. The vast majority of plants we grow and stock at Brownswood are selected specifically for our coastal climate.

That said, even hardy plants can benefit from extra protection when temperatures are expected to reach freezing for several hours or more, particularly during sudden cold snaps.

Mulch to Protect Roots
Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around the base of plants to help insulate roots and regulate soil temperature. Mulch is especially important for newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials that haven’t yet established deep root systems.

Water Ahead of the Cold
If rainfall has been limited, water plants thoroughly 24 hours before a freeze. Focus on watering the root zone, not the foliage. Moist soil retains heat better than dry soil, offering extra protection overnight.

Cover Plants Properly
Use frost cloth, burlap, or even an old bed sheet to cover plants when freezing temperatures are forecast. Covers should:
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• Extend all the way to the ground
• Be secured to trap warmer air
• Be removed once temperatures rise above freezing

Avoid using plastic directly on plants, as it can trap moisture and worsen damage.

Charleston gardeners love tropical flair, but plants like tropical hibiscus, cordylines, and other tender varieties are especially vulnerable to cold. These plants are often treated as seasonal additions with the expectation that they may not survive winter outdoors.
However, some protection is possible:
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• Move container plants into garages, porches, or other sheltered spaces during freezes.
• If containers are too large to move, water them well and cover them carefully.
• Keep in mind that containerized plants are more susceptible to cold damage and may not survive prolonged freezing temperatures - ​even when covered.

Once temperatures rise, patience is essential. Allow ice and frost to melt naturally - ​frozen plant tissue is brittle and can be easily damaged if handled too soon.

Cold injury doesn’t always appear immediately. In fact, symptoms may take several days or even weeks to show.

Common Signs of Freeze Damage

• Wilted, blackened, or brown leaves
• Mushy or collapsed foliage
• Dropped or browned flower buds
• Cracks or splits in bark on shrubs and trees

Clean Up Soft Perennials
For hardy perennials, remove mushy or collapsed foliage once temperatures stabilize to prevent rot and disease.

Hold Off on Pruning Woody Plants
Resist the urge to immediately prune damaged shrubs and trees. Dead or injured wood often protects living tissue underneath. Wait until warmer weather returns and new growth begins to clearly show what is alive.

Prune Later - Not Sooner
Once spring arrives and the risk of additional freezes has passed, prune away dead branches. Pruning too early can stimulate new growth that may be damaged by another cold snap.

Cold snaps can be stressful for both gardeners and landscapes, but with the right preparation and a little patience afterward, most Charleston gardens recover beautifully. Every yard responds differently depending on plant type, age, and exposure, so personalized guidance can make a big difference.

Questions about freeze damage or cold-weather care?
The Nursery Professionals at our Garden Center are here to help. Email us at [email protected], and please include photos if possible so we can provide the most accurate advice for your landscape.

Charleston summers are no joke. Between the rising temps, high humidity, and long stretches without rain, your landscape has to be tough to thrive. Fortunately, our growing region is home to a wide variety of plants that don’t just survive the summer - they shine in it.

Whether you’re refreshing your foundation plantings or creating a brand-new landscape design, these heat-tolerant selections are ready to handle whatever Charleston’s summer throws at them.

Even the toughest plants need a little extra care when the temperatures soar. Here are five essential tips to help your landscape beat the heat:
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1. Water Deeply and Early
   Water in the early morning to reduce evaporation. Aim for less frequent but deep watering to encourage strong root systems.
   
   
2.  Add a Layer of Mulch
   Mulch helps retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and reduce weed competition. Apply 2–3 inches around your plants (but keep mulch away from trunks and stems).
   
   
3. Watch for Signs of Stress
   Wilting, scorched leaves, or leaf drop can be signs your plants are struggling. Adjust your watering schedule or provide temporary shade to help them recover.
   
   
4. Avoid Fertilizing During Peak Heat
   Fertilizing in mid-summer can stress plants and encourage new growth that may burn in the heat. Wait for a break in the weather or fertilize earlier in the season.
   
   
5. Plan Ahead with the Right Plants
   Choose heat-tolerant, Charleston-tested varieties like the ones above to set your landscape up for success. Right plant, right place = happy plants all summer long.

​Espoma's other organic 'tone' fertilizers can be used after planting, throughout the growing season. These easy-to-use granulated fertilizers are typically applied around the plant at the soil level. (see application instructions on each product label for frequency and amount to use)