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Winter can inflict damage on plants.
Covering shrubs is often part of a largeroverwintering strategyfor protecting them.
Delicate shrubs should be covered but even somehardy shrubsbenefit from coverage.
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Shrubs Not to Cover
Most shrubs should not be covered.
Unless the shrub absolutely needs to be covered, don’t cover it.
For example, you’ve got the option to cover container shrubs when overwintering them.
But the best option is to move the containers to a sheltered area.
Why Cover Shrubs
Cover some types of shrubs to protect them from winter damage.
Covering shrubs can preserve moisture and protects them from wind and frost damage.
Tip
Water deprivation is common in winter, so you should not neglectwatering plants in winter.
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Young or Delicate Plants
Young evergreens with fragile branches benefit from being covered.
Wrapping and covering are valuable for protecting brittle branches, Angelov says.
Container Plants
Winterize container plantsideally by moving them indoors, but they can also be covered.
Containers have no insulation, so they expose the roots to harsh outside temperatures.
Covering shrubs lets you grow plants that aren’tperennialin your USDA zone.
Waiting for the first hard frost allows the leaves to fall off.
A frost date is when air temperatures reach 32F or less.
To find frost dates, consult theUSDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Remove the cover after thelast frost datein the spring.
How to Cover Shrubs
Cover shrubs with shrub covers or burlap.
In a pinch, you could also temporarily cover shrubs with towels or cardboard boxes.
Shrub Covers
Thick, breathable shrub covers fully enclose the plant and cinch tight at the bottom.
Shrub covers are either supported by the plant or by tent-like frames that hold them off the shrub.
Shrub covers are reusable and afford plants the best protection during the winter.
However, they can be expensive, especially if you have many shrubs.
Burlap
Burlap cloth in rolls can be cut to size to fit any shrub.
Narrow strips can be cut off and wrapped around trunks.
Large pieces of burlap can be wound around shrubs of any size.
Some shrubs can directly support the burlap.
For more delicate shrubs, drive long stakes in the ground to build frames to support the burlap.
At the end of each winter, remove and roll up burlap in good condition.
Some burlap will be unusable.
All burlap will eventually degrade and need to be replaced.
How to Overwinter Plants.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
Do My New Evergreen Shrubs Need Winter Protection?University of New Hampshire Extension.
Winter Protection for Potted Trees and Shrubs.
Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources / University of Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County
