FROST TOLERANT PLANTS

Most parts of the Illawarra are relatively frost-free, however here in Albion Park we do occasionally experience light frosts. Head up the pass to the Highlands and frosts are a regular occurrence in the winter months. This makes plant selection important, as frosts can cause the leaves of some plants to appear burnt - really what is occurring is the rupture of plant tissues, as water expands when it freezes. This is why mostly plants with soft, delicate leaves are susceptible and plants with tough leathery leaves are generally frost tolerant, as are a lot of small-leaved plants, such as most natives, conifers, and deciduous and herbaceous plants.

Microclimates can be created (eg. beneath trees, against a north-facing wall or in a shadehouse) in order to provide some protection, and anti-transpirants such as Drought Shield can be used to protect from light frosts. Avoid planting sensitive plants in 'frost pockets' (areas of lower ground). If frost damage occurs, wait to prune off frost-affected growth until spring as frost-damaged growth will provide some protection to the rest of the plant. However for low maintenance gardening in frost-prone areas it is best to stick with frost hardy plants, such as those listed below.

 

Trees

All deciduous trees (those that lose their leaves in winter). This includes ornamentals (Maples, Prunus, Oaks, Jacaranda, Liquidambar, Willow etc.) as well as many fruiting trees (eg. apples, pears, plums, apricots).
All conifers (eg. Cypress, Juniper, Cedar)
Most eucalypts
Most wattles (Acacia)
Paperbark (Melaleuca)
Bay Laurel
Blueberry Ash

 

Shrubs

All deciduous shrubs (eg. Roses, Wiegela, Hydrangea, Viburnum)
Most native shrubs (eg. Grevillea, Bottlebrush, Leptospermum, Correa, Prostanthera, Baeckea, Bauera, Boronia)
Ceanothus
Leucadendron
Leucospermum
Waratah
Pittsoporum
Murraya
Photinia
Teucrium
Protea
Westringia
Box Hedge varieties
Loropetalum
Camellia
Rhododendron
Azalea
Pieris
Abelia
Escallonia
Magnolia
Viburnum
Salvia
Dodonaea
Cytisus
Buddleia
Raphiolepis (Indian Hawthorn)
Spiraea (May Bush)
Hebe
Plumbago
Daphne
Euonymus
Eriostemon

 

Groundcovers

Hardenbergia violacea
Convolvulus
Myoporum
Chrysocephalum (Yellow Buttons)
Grevillea 'Bronze Rambler'
Grevillea 'Royal Mantle'
Banksia 'Birthday Candles'
Brachycome (Rock Daisy)
Hedera (Ivy varieties)
Nasturtium

 

Climbers

Potato Vine
Boston Ivy
Virginia Creeper
Wisteria
Carolina Jasmine
Clematis
Chinese Star Jasmine

 

Other

Most herbaceous perennials such as bulbs and rhizomatious plants (eg. Tulips, Iris, Daffodils)
Autumn Crocus
Kangaroo Paw
Lomandra
Dianella
Anemone
Rhapis excelsa (Lady Palm)
Livistona sp. (Cabbage Tree Palm, Chinese Windmill Palm)
Dicksonia antarctica (Soft Tree Fern)
Lots of winter vegies, such as cabbage, kale, brussells sprouts, broccoli, turnips, spinach and peas.