Be Inspired Blog - Arizona
Top 10 Plants to Protect from Frost in Phoenix Area
Top 10 Plants to Protect From Frost in the Valley of the Sun
What Phoenix-area gardeners should cover first when cold nights arrive
While winters in the Valley of the Sun are generally mild, overnight frost can still sneak up on us—especially in low-lying areas, open desert landscapes, and during clear, calm nights. Even brief dips near freezing can cause damage to certain plants, particularly those that are tropical, tender, newly planted, or actively growing.
Knowing which plants need protection first can help you act quickly when frost is in the forecast. Here are the top 10 plants most likely to benefit from frost protection in the Greater Metro Phoenix area, along with tips for keeping them safe.
1. Bedding Plants (Seasonal Color & Annuals)
Freshly planted bedding plants—such as petunias, vinca, impatiens, and other seasonal color—are often the first to show frost damage. Their soft foliage and shallow roots make them especially vulnerable.
Protect them by:
- Covering with frost cloth or lightweight fabric
- Watering soil the day before a cold night (moist soil holds warmth)
- Moving container plants closer to walls or under patios
2. Young Citrus Trees
Established citrus trees are more cold-tolerant than many gardeners expect, but young or newly planted citrus is far more sensitive. Frost damage often appears days later as leaf drop or blackened growth tips.
Protect them by:
- Draping frost cloth all the way to the ground
- Using stakes to keep fabric off leaves
- Removing covers during the day once temperatures rise
3. Tropical Fruit Trees
Tropical fruits such as mango, papaya, guava, banana, and avocado can suffer severe damage from even a light frost. These plants evolved for warm climates and struggle with sudden cold snaps.
Protect them by:
- Covering early—don’t wait until freezing temperatures
- Adding mulch around the root zone
- Using incandescent (not LED) lights under frost cloth for added warmth
4. Tomatoes & Peppers (Any Variety)
Whether grown in raised beds or containers, tomatoes and peppers are extremely frost-sensitive. Even temperatures in the upper 30s can slow growth and damage leaves.
Protect them by:
- Using frost cloth supported by hoops or stakes
- Harvesting mature fruit before a hard frost
- Covering plants early in the evening before temperatures drop
5. Natal Plum (Carissa)
Natal plum is a popular low-maintenance shrub in Phoenix landscapes, but young plants and tender new growth can be damaged by frost.
Protect them by:
- Covering smaller plants during cold snaps
- Avoiding late-fall pruning that encourages soft new growth
6. Lantana
Lantana often survives winter in the Valley, but frost can cause leaf drop and dieback—especially on newly planted or groundcover varieties.
Good to know:
- Frost may kill top growth, but roots usually survive
- Delay pruning until spring once frost danger has passed
7. Ruellia Varieties
Ruellia (Mexican petunia) is tough once established, but frost can damage foliage and flowers during colder nights.
Protect them by:
- Covering during extended cold spells
- Mulching to help insulate the root zone
8. Tecoma (Yellow Bells) & Cape Honeysuckle
These flowering shrubs are well-adapted to desert conditions but may show leaf drop or tip damage after frost, especially in exposed locations.
Helpful tip:
- Protect young plants during their first winter
- Expect recovery in spring even if frost damage occurs
9. Succulents, Ice Plants & Adeniums
Not all succulents are cold-hardy. Ice plants, adenium (desert rose), and many container succulents are particularly vulnerable to frost damage.
Protect them by:
- Moving containers indoors or under cover
- Using frost cloth for in-ground plants
- Keeping soil slightly drier during cold weather
10. Ficus Trees, Plumeria & (Coral Fountain)
These popular landscape plants are highly frost-sensitive, particularly when grown in open or exposed areas.
Protect them by:
- Wrapping trunks and canopies with frost cloth
- Covering early on nights below 40°F
- Expecting temporary leaf drop but monitoring for spring regrowth
Frost Protection Tips for Valley Gardeners
- Cover plants before sunset to trap daytime heat
- Avoid placing plastic directly on plants—it can cause cold damage
- Secure frost cloth to the ground for maximum protection
- Remove covers during the day once temperatures rise
Even short cold snaps can cause lasting damage, but with proper preparation, most plants recover well and return strong in spring.
Stop by your favorite SummerWinds Nursery location to pick up frost cloth today - available in rolls and sheets.
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