Knowing plants and understanding their life cycle is essential to ensure healthy and productive cultivation. Each species has an ideal period for planting, which depends on factors such as temperature, light and climate. In winter, this attention becomes even more important, as environmental conditions change and can directly impact their development.

Experienced landscapers Catê Poli, who runs her own landscaping office, and João Jadão, vice-president of the National Landscaping Association (ANP), state that the behavior of plants in the face of the prevailing climate in a region will determine the result of their cultivation. With low temperatures, especially in the South and Southeast regions, it is necessary to know which species are more or less resistant to winter in order to dedicate the necessary attention during this period, in addition to understanding the care that the season requires.

Species that resist the cold well

For Catê Poli, Brazilian trees, capable of developing naturally throughout the national territory, do better in the cold when compared to shrubs coming from a specific region. “This is a very interesting and easily understandable question, since natives are more aligned with their original habitat and may experience some difficulties when inserted into another ecosystem”, he explains.

Among the trees that withstand extreme cold, Caté Poli lists:

• Ipês;
• Rio Grande Cherry Tree;
• Araucaria.

These species They are extremely adapted to the climatic conditions found in the states of Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul. “In fact, the araucaria is ancient and has become a symbol of the South region”, reports João Jadão.

Regarding shrubs, which reach small and medium heights and have denser, thicker foliage, landscapers list the species that grow well in regions with freezing climates:

• goat’s beard grass;
• Setaria grass;
• Pampas grass.

As for species that resist the cold, as long as they are not affected by intense frosts, there are:

• Mountain Snow;
• Neomarica blue (blue false iris);
• Caliandra;
• Manaca-de-chedor.

According to João Jadão, the attention to reconciling the species with the region makes the landscaping sustainable. He highlights that the shrubs, despite their limitations, can be complemented by non-native ornamentals, imported from cold climates in Europe, subtropical Asia and South Africa, such as:

• Azaleas;
• Hydrangeas;
• Sage leucantha;
• Texas grass.

He indicates that this process of mixing species makes the composition of landscaping projects more viable in cold regions. Catê Poli reinforces this message: “Even if few native shrub options are used, prioritizing Brazilian trees suited to the climate already represents excellent harmony with the environment.”

Legally, reforestation projects require 100% native trees — shrubs only enter regenerative processes with less impact on environmental compensation. It is important to remember that, as we are a country tropicalmost native plants tolerate temperatures of up to around 15 °C (some up to 10 °C), but below this and in frost, few resist the rigors of winter.

Below, landscapers Catê Poli and João Jadão explain how to care for plants during the coldest season of the year. Check it out!

1. Garden dormancy

In winter, the garden goes into dormancy and thus the plants do not develop. If they are planted during this period, growth will occur from September onwards.

2. Pay attention to watering

As it is a drier season, you need to pay attention to watering. In wetter winters, care must be taken not to overwater and allow the plants to rot, as there is not enough sun. If it is very dry, you need to supplement it with water and, if it is very humid, be careful with the excess, as it takes time to evaporate due to the lack of sun. If you are traveling, you must ask someone to take care of the watering.

3. Correct pruning

In winter, it’s time to do aesthetic pruning, not drastic ones, because the plant won’t grow yet. Everything that is done must happen at the end of winter, thinking about preparing the garden for spring and summer. For example, at the end of the cold season, fertilizing the plants is recommended, as with the heat and rains that occur in spring, they will respond wonderfully.

4. Lack of growth and new shoots

At this time, there is no growth or formation of new shoots — on the contrary, the plant may dry out and it will be necessary to prune. This is something that happens as a law of life and nature.

5. Check the lighting

Inside the house, it is important to assess whether the place where the vase is located receives light. Otherwise, it is recommended to move it.

6. Cover the soil with leaves

Known as “mulching”, this technique is essential for protect earth against frost, preserve humidity and prevent erosion. Additionally, it works as a thermal insulator for the roots, helping to maintain a more stable soil temperature while releasing nutrients as the leaves decompose.

By Danilo Costa