Winter's arrival indicates a season of rest for many plants. While annuals perish in the first freeze, perennial species enter a state of dormancy, with their life force hidden beneath the frost line. The insulating properties of soil preserve the perennial crown, enabling regrowth in spring.
In some areas of Canada, there may be an absence of snow cover which can expose perennials to lethal temperatures. To combat this, gardeners may apply a protective layer of leaves or preserve existing foliage to ensnare snow, thus providing insulation.
Conversely, excessive moisture in fall can result in 'wet feet,' causing root systems to decay in the ensuing freeze. This condition particularly afflicts species planted in dense clay soils, which retain water.
Gardeners often consult the Soil Zone Map when selecting plant varieties, seeking alignment with regional climatic conditions. Despite its utility, the map's reliance on historical temperature averages does not account for atypical cold extremes, which can result in plant mortality.
Ornamental shrubs, with their exposed branches, confront the volatility of weather patterns, including the risk of early frost following warm spells. Such events can damage the tender new growth that these warm periods encourage.
Plant life's resilience in extreme weather reflects on their adaptation abilities and selective breeding.