As the wistful sigh of autumn breezes herald the coming of winter, gardeners everywhere begin to prepare their plants for the impending frost. For some flowering plants, the first frost signals the end of their blooming season, while others may even fail to survive this icy transition. The first frost can be a death sentence for several types of flowers, turning your once vibrant garden into a drab, lifeless landscape.
Understanding which flowers are unable to survive the first frost is crucial for maintaining your garden’s charm through the colder months. Let’s explore 20 such flowers that are particularly vulnerable to the first frost.
1. Marigolds
Marigolds, known for their vibrant hues and lovely fragrance, are a common sight in many gardens. However, these summer annuals are extremely frost-sensitive and are unlikely to survive the first frost.
Marigolds require full sun and well-drained soil to thrive. They are often used in gardens to repel pests and are renowned for their medicinal properties. Despite their hardiness during the warmer months, these flowers cannot withstand freezing temperatures and will not survive the first frost. To ensure your marigolds’ survival, consider potting them and bringing them indoors before the first frost hits.
2. Zinnias
Zinnias are a favorite among gardeners due to their diverse range of colors and easy cultivation process. However, these beautiful flowers are unable to withstand the frost and are one of the first plants to perish when the temperature drops.
Zinnias need a lot of sun and prefer well-drained soil. They are often planted in summer and can bloom until the first frost, providing a splash of color in your garden. Sadly, they won’t survive freezing temperatures, and the only way to protect them is by taking cuttings and propagating them indoors during winter.
3. Impatiens
Impatiens, also known as Busy Lizzies, are popular bedding plants that provide a constant display of color from summer until the first frost. However, these shade-loving plants do not tolerate frost well and will die upon its first arrival.
Impatiens prefer moist, well-drained soil and are often used to brighten up shady areas in gardens. While they can survive a light frost, a heavy frost will kill them. To protect your impatiens, consider moving them into a greenhouse or indoors before the first frost hits.
4. Petunias
Petunias are cherished for their bright, trumpet-shaped flowers that come in a plethora of colors. These sun-loving plants bloom from spring until the first frost, after which they succumb to the cold.
Petunias prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They are often used in hanging baskets and containers, making them easy to move indoors during winter. Despite their delicate appearance, petunias are quite hardy but won’t survive the first frost. Consider bringing them indoors or into a greenhouse to extend their blooming period.
5. Begonias
Begonias are beloved for their stunning foliage and dainty flowers. However, these tropical plants are not frost-tolerant and will die when the first frost arrives.
Begonias thrive in partial shade and well-drained soil. They are often used as houseplants, so consider moving them indoors before the first frost if you want to keep them alive through winter. They can also be propagated from cuttings, so you can always start new plants before the frost hits.
6. Geraniums
Geraniums, known for their vibrant, rounded clusters of flowers, are a staple in many gardens. However, these hardy plants will not survive the first frost.
Geraniums require full sun and well-drained soil to thrive. They are often grown in containers, making them easy to move indoors during winter. Despite their robust nature, geraniums are not frost-tolerant. Consider bringing them indoors or into a greenhouse to protect them from the frost.
7. Morning Glories
Morning glories, renowned for their vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers, are a common sight in many gardens. However, these climbing plants are frost-sensitive and will die upon the first frost.
Morning glories require full sun and well-drained soil to thrive. They are often used as a natural screen due to their climbing nature. Despite their hardiness during the warmer months, morning glories cannot withstand freezing temperatures. To ensure their survival, consider sowing their seeds indoors before the first frost hits.
8. Coleus
Coleus is cherished for its striking, multicolored foliage, which can add a splash of color to any garden. However, these tropical plants are not frost-tolerant and will perish at the first sign of frost.
Coleus prefers partial shade and well-drained soil. They are often grown in containers or used as bedding plants, making them easy to move indoors during winter. Despite their vibrant appearance, coleus plants are not hardy and won’t survive the first frost. To protect them, consider growing them as houseplants during the colder months.
9. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums, known for their edible, peppery-tasting flowers, are a favorite among many gardeners. However, these easy-to-grow plants are not frost-tolerant and will die when the first frost arrives.
Nasturtiums thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They are often used in salads, making them a versatile addition to any garden. Despite their robust nature, nasturtiums won’t survive the first frost. To protect them, consider moving them indoors before the temperature drops.
10. Sunflowers
Sunflowers, famous for their towering stems and cheerful, large flowers, are a staple in many gardens. However, these hardy plants are not frost-tolerant and will perish at the first sign of frost.
Sunflowers require full sun and well-drained soil to thrive. They are often used as a natural screen or as a source of bird food. Despite their robust nature, sunflowers won’t survive the first frost. To ensure their survival, consider harvesting their seeds before the first frost hits.
11. Dahlias
Dahlias, cherished for their stunning, large flowers, are a favorite among many gardeners. However, these tuberous plants are not frost-tolerant and will die upon the first frost.
Dahlias require full sun and well-drained soil to thrive. They are often grown in containers, making them easy to move indoors during winter. Despite their vibrant appearance, dahlias are not hardy and won’t survive the first frost. To protect them, consider digging up their tubers and storing them in a cool, dry place during the colder months.
12. Lantanas
Lantanas, known for their clusters of vibrant flowers, are a common sight in many gardens. However, these tropical plants are not frost-tolerant and will perish at the first sign of frost.
Lantanas prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They are often used as ground cover or in hanging baskets, making them a versatile addition to any garden. Despite their hardiness, lantanas won’t survive the first frost. To protect them, consider moving them indoors before the temperature drops.
13. Cosmos
Cosmos, renowned for their daisy-like flowers, are a favorite among many gardeners. However, these easy-to-grow plants are not frost-tolerant and will die when the first frost arrives.
Cosmos thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They are often used as cut flowers, making them a useful addition to any garden. Despite their vibrant appearance, cosmos won’t survive the first frost. To protect them, consider sowing their seeds indoors before the first frost hits.
14. Vinca
Vinca, known for its glossy foliage and vibrant flowers, is a common sight in many gardens. However, these ground-cover plants are not frost-tolerant and will die upon the first frost.
Vinca prefers partial shade and well-drained soil. They are often used as ground cover or in hanging baskets, making them a versatile addition to any garden. Despite their hardiness, vinca won’t survive the first frost. To protect them, consider moving them indoors before the temperature drops.
15. Hibiscus
Hibiscus, cherished for their large, flamboyant flowers, are a favorite among many gardeners. However, these tropical plants are not frost-tolerant and will perish at the first sign of frost.
Hibiscus prefers full sun and well-drained soil. They are often grown in containers, making them easy to move indoors during winter. Despite their vibrant appearance, hibiscus won’t survive the first frost. To protect them, consider growing them as houseplants during the colder months.
16. Salvia
Salvia, known for its spiky flowers and aromatic foliage, is a common sight in many gardens. However, these hardy plants are not frost-tolerant and will die upon the first frost.
Salvia prefers full sun and well-drained soil. They are often used as border plants or in containers, making them a versatile addition to any garden. Despite their hardiness, salvia won’t survive the first frost. To protect them, consider moving them indoors before the temperature drops.
17. Asters
Asters, renowned for their daisy-like flowers, are a favorite among many gardeners. However, these hardy plants are not frost-tolerant and will perish at the first sign of frost.
Asters thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They are often used as border plants, making them a versatile addition to any garden. Despite their hardiness, asters won’t survive the first frost. To protect them, consider sowing their seeds indoors before the first frost hits.
18. Fuchsias
Fuchsias, known for their unique, hanging flowers, are a common sight in many gardens. However, these shade-loving plants are not frost-tolerant and will die upon the first frost.
Fuchsias prefer partial shade and well-drained soil. They are often grown in hanging baskets, making them easy to move indoors during winter. Despite their vibrant appearance, fuchsias are not hardy and won’t survive the first frost. To protect them, consider moving them indoors before the temperature drops.
19. Snapdragons
Snapdragons, cherished for their vibrant, dragon-shaped flowers, are a favorite among many gardeners. However, these hardy plants are not frost-tolerant and will perish at the first sign of frost.
Snapdragons prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They are often used as cut flowers, making them a useful addition to any garden. Despite their hardiness, snapdragons won’t survive the first frost. To protect them, consider sowing their seeds indoors before the first frost hits.
20. Calibrachoa
Calibrachoa, known for their small, bell-like flowers, is a common sight in many gardens. However, these trailing plants are not frost-tolerant and will die upon the first frost.
Calibrachoa prefers full sun and well-drained soil. They are often used in hanging baskets or as ground cover, making them a versatile addition to any garden. Despite their hardiness, calibrachoa won’t survive the first frost. To protect them, consider moving them indoors before the temperature drops.