Campo Cuttings by Lorraine Cavanagh.
Relative new-comers to the Axarquia are probably wondering where is the wonderful Spanish winter weather they’ve heard so much about! Having just passed through the coldest autumn in twelve years and, now in the grips of the worst winter for 50 years, it’s not only us humans that are wondering – think of our Mediterranean plants. You can almost see them curling up their toes, hunching their shoulders and shivering!
We’ve had lots of queries at the garden centre over the last couple of months on how best to look after plants under these exceptional conditions and the snow just put the “icing on the cake” – literally!
The damage caused by sub-zero temperatures and snow can often be quite different and it’s usually the extreme cold that causes the long-term damage. The sharply plummeting temperatures four to five years back, when it went down to around -7C in this area, caused an immense amount of damage –I’m sure we all remember blackened avocado trees, citrus, succulents and bougainvillea. The cold temperatures we’ve experienced so far this winter are different in that they’ve been not quite so been severe but they have lasted far longer. This, in general, is not quite so damaging to our plants as long as the really cold nights are not too prolonged. Long established plants in our gardens are acclimatised and somewhat used to the ups and downs of life. For most, temperatures around zero or even a notch or two below won’t particularly bother them for two or three nights. They may shiver a bit, as we do, but they’ll survive. A sharp and severe drop is more damaging.
New plantings and those in pots are much more vulnerable. Potted plants have much less soil around their roots for insulation and new plantings simply haven’t had time to settle in. This is compounded if the plants are very fleshy, and by this I mean pumped up artificially with nitrogen rich fertilisers. It may make the plants look wonderful when you buy them but they’ll take an immediate set-back when planted out – cold, wind, sun are all too much for them. It’s a favourite liturgy of mine and you could reckon I only say it to sell plants but, think about it, a plant that is bought on the coast where it’s probably been displayed under artificial conditions is not suitable for immediate planting in our harsher hillside and altitude gardens. It’s common sense.
The recent snow caused damage of a different type. Snow-laden boughs on trees broke under the weight. The acacia family (mimosa), eucalyptus and the commonly planted transparente, or myoporum hedging seems to have suffered most. Broken boughs should be cut cleanly at an angle, either just below the break or to train back into shape. Latest research shows that a wound sealer is not necessary. Don’t despair, you’ll be amazed how quickly they’ll shoot again. If the break is really low down on the trunk you may have to settle for a mimosa ‘shrub’ instead of a tree! It will still be exceedingly pretty and obviate having to train a leader stem again.
Other damage is most likely to be burning off of tender young shoots on shrubs and perennials; just prune back to firm wood again. Burnt leaves can be removed. Bananas were badly affected because they have such a large delicate leaf area. If the leaves are really browned, cut them off or, better still, tie them up around the heart of the plant to protect it from any further harsh weather – much as you’d do with palm trees. Perennials with burnt top growth can, again, be trimmed back – they’ll soon reshoot – or leave the burnt growth to give a little shelter until danger has passed.
Cacti and succulent are often the most susceptible and the worst combination is cold and wet together. If possible keep them dry during cold weather and give them as much sun as possible during the winter. Snow and ice should be knocked off them as soon as possible – they have a high water content which will freeze and destroy plant cells. This applies to all your more tender plantings too – keep them on the dryish side and they’ll suffer less.
If you’ve any particular problems, come and have a chat with me at the garden centre – have a coffee and home-made cake, take a stroll around and pick my brain – it’s all for free!
During February all our climbers are at 20% discount – so festoon your pergolas, fences, walls and banks with colour.
Lorraine Cavanagh has lived in Spain for over 22 years; a mother, grandmother and hispanista, her passions are plants, the environment, food and drink, and travelling within Spain. A landscape gardener and writer, she’s always happy to give advice. Call and see her at Viveros Florena, near Cómpeta – have a free coffee and cake in their tea-rooms. Opening hours Tuesday-Saturday, 10-4
Her book Lorraine Cavanagh’s Mediterranean Garden Plantshas been nicknamed ‘the bible’. The new edition at €24.90 is now generally available throughout Spain.
Tel: 689928201 E-mail: florenaspain@hotmail.com
