January 13, 2001
Question: My wife and I just moved into a new 3-bedroom home in Cape Coral and we are planning to add about $7,000 worth of landscaping next week. Should we plant at this time or wait for fear of damaging cold weather. If we wait, how long?
K. Bowman, e-mail
Answer: Typically, much of south Florida landscape consist of plants that can be classified as warm-weather plants. Warm-weather plants have tissue that are not well adapted for survival during periods of prolonged cold weather. Low temperatures , even if above freezing, may damage such plants as hibiscus, allamanda, crotons and hibiscus. Low temperatures causes ice formation, between and within plant cells. Ice formation cause cells to expand and rupture. When ruptured, leaves, stems and other affected plant tissue become black and botchy. Damaged tissue can become the primary gateway for the entrance of disease into otherwise healthy plants. Sufficiently cold temperatures may cause bark splitting and the slow decline of some mature trees. Wait until mid to late February before going ahead with your landscape investment.
- Stephen Brown is a horticulture agent with the Lee County Extension. To submit questions call the horticulture desk at 461- 7504 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. or via e-mail at shb@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu. Listen to the ‘Garden Show" at 8 a.m. on 1200-AM WINK/WNOG.