What to Grow, Where, and Why
Areas prone to frost and cold temperatures, such as alpine zones, inland valleys, and higher elevations, demand plants that can survive freezing nights, snow, and temperature fluctuations. Selecting frost-hardy native plants ensures survival, garden success, and ecological restoration.
What Makes Frosty and Cold Sites Unique
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Temperature: Regular frost events, possible snow cover in winter, and rapid temperature changes.
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Growing Season: Shorter growing season with slower growth rates.
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Soil Conditions: Often well-drained soils; cold soils delay root activity in early spring.
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Exposure: Sites may be exposed or sheltered; wind chill can increase cold stress.
What to Plant by Frost and Cold Site Type
|
Site Type |
Best Plant Choices |
Why These Work |
|
Alpine and subalpine zones |
Phormium Tenax, Chionochloa rigida (Snow Tussock), Hebe sutherlandii, Hebe odora, Celmisia (mountain daisy) |
Tough, low-growing plants adapted to freezing temperatures, wind, and short growing seasons. |
|
Inland frost-prone plains |
Poa cita (Silver tussock), Kunzea ericoides (Kānuka), Leptospermum scoparium (Mānuka), Ozothamnus leptophyllus |
Hardy shrubs and tussocks that withstand frost and cold dry conditions. |
|
Sheltered frost pockets |
Fuchsia excorticata (Tree fuchsia), Pseudopanax crassifolius (Lancewood), Griselinia littoralis |
Species that tolerate cold but prefer some shelter from wind and frost extremes. |
Signature Frost-Hardy Native Plants
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Austroderia richardii (South Island Toetoe) – Frost-tolerant grass with tall plumes; great for structure and screening.
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Poa cita (Silver Tussock) – A hardy, drought- and frost-tolerant native grass with fine, silvery foliage, ideal for dry slopes, open landscapes, and low-maintenance native gardens.
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Kunzea ericoides (Kānuka) – Pioneer shrub tolerating frost and cold winds.
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Coprosma propinqua – Tough, wiry shrub that withstands heavy frost, wind, and poor soils; good for shelter.
Planting Tips for Frost and Cold Sites
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Tip |
Advice |
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Planting time |
Plant in spring after the last frost to allow establishment during warmer months. |
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Site selection |
Choose sheltered spots if possible to reduce frost damage; avoid frost pockets when feasible. |
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Soil preparation |
Ensure well-drained soil to prevent root rot from cold, wet conditions. |
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Protection for young plants |
Use mulch or temporary frost cloths to protect seedlings in early stages. |
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Watering |
Water during establishment but reduce watering before winter to avoid soggy soils. |
Why Choose Natives for Frosty and Cold Areas?
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Evolved to tolerate freezing temperatures and frost damage
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Enhance biodiversity in alpine and inland ecosystems
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Require less protection and maintenance than exotic plants
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Support native wildlife adapted to cold environments
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Help stabilize soils and reduce erosion in vulnerable areas