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Many plants have their own defense mechanisms, such as perennials, which lose their lightest parts in winter and sprout them again in spring. Examples are campanulas and columbines. With this kind of plant be careful not to pull them out by the root.

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There are other plants that show some resistance to the cold but are very sensitive to frost, especially if the weather is windy. Wind always makes the air seem colder and speeds up evaporation of moisture, causing plants to dry out. So protection against wind and sub-freezing temperatures will allow us to grow delicate species in cold climates.

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Porches and terraces that are sheltered from the wind are ideal places for camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons and gardenias. If they are also pointed in the right direction and receive sunlight, they can house species even more sensitive to the cold such as bougainvillea, jasmine and plumbagos.

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In both cases the most important thing is for the area to be covered overhead so as to avoid the effects of freezing temperatures. Sometimes you can use bell jars or plastic jars, although these are only good for small plants.

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This method works only for plants grown in flowerpots or window boxes. For outdoor plants, you can plant a protective shrub that shields against the northern wind, making the spot cozier.

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Some deciduous shrubs suffer severe damage from the first frost of winter, but can recover with a drastic pruning, as is the case with hydrangeas.

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It also helps to lay a protective pad of organic material on the ground. You can use straw, dry leaves or any kind of vegetal remains but be careful with pine needles and branches of cupressaceae such as cypress. They can be used only if the plants they are supposed to protect like acidic soil. Another way to protect a plant�s roots is to cover the soil around it with a layer of pine chips or gravel, about 10 cm thick. With plants in flowerpots, you can put the pot inside another, larger one and fill the space between the pots with straw, paper shavings or anything that creates an air pocket.

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Finally, don�t forget that in winter you should water plants only when necessary and only at the warmest time of day so the roots don't freeze.