How to Care for Winter Dormant (or Transitioning) Plants

As winter approaches, many plants, especially perennials and fruit trees, enter a period of dormancy. This natural phase of reduced activity helps plants conserve energy and survive the cold months. For gardeners, caring for winter-dormant plants can feel different from the bustling spring and summer seasons, but it’s a crucial time to set your plants up for a successful return in the warmer months.

Here’s a guide to understanding dormancy and how to care for your plants during this transition period:

1. Understanding Plant Dormancy

Dormancy is a plant’s way of “resting” during winter, much like hibernation for animals. During this time, growth slows or stops, leaves may drop, and energy is conserved in the roots. While it may seem like your plant is inactive, it’s actually preparing for a burst of growth come spring.

Common plants that enter dormancy include:

• Deciduous fruit trees (apples, peaches, plums)
• Perennials (lavender, hydrangeas, hostas)
• Roses and ornamental shrubs

Tropical and subtropical plants may also go through a milder dormancy if exposed to cooler temperatures, even if they remain indoors or in a greenhouse.

2. Adjust Your Watering Routine

One of the most important things to remember during dormancy is that plants don’t need as much water. Overwatering is a common mistake, and it can lead to root rot or other moisture-related issues when the plant isn’t actively growing.

Tips for Watering Dormant Plants:

• Reduce the frequency of watering, allowing the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings.
• Check the moisture of the soil by sticking your finger about an inch deep before watering.
• Ensure that containers or garden beds have proper drainage to prevent water from sitting at the roots.

3. Stop Fertilizing During Dormancy

Dormant plants don’t need the nutrients required for active growth, so fertilizing during the winter is unnecessary and can even harm the plant by encouraging new growth at the wrong time.

Hold off on feeding your plants until they show signs of new growth in the spring. When they do, you can begin introducing fertilizer slowly to help kickstart the growing season.

4. Pruning Dormant Plants

Winter is a great time for pruning many deciduous trees, shrubs, and plants. Since most of the plant’s energy is stored in the roots, trimming back dead or diseased branches helps the plant channel its resources into healthy growth when the weather warms up.

When to Prune:

• Late winter or early spring is ideal for pruning most fruit trees and shrubs.
• For herbaceous perennials, wait until the foliage has fully died back before trimming the dead growth.
• Be mindful of plants that bloom on old wood (like hydrangeas)—prune them after they bloom to avoid cutting off next season's flowers.

5. Protect Your Plants from Extreme Cold

In colder climates, frost and freezing temperatures can pose a threat to even dormant plants. Protecting them during the harshest winter weather can make a big difference in their survival.

Protective Measures:

• Mulch: Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of your plants to insulate the roots and prevent freeze-thaw cycles.
• Covering: For more sensitive plants, consider covering them with burlap or frost cloth to shield them from freezing temperatures.
• Potted Plants: If you have potted plants that are dormant, move them to a sheltered area like a garage, greenhouse, or indoors to avoid frost damage.

6. Check for Pests and Diseases

Even though your plants are dormant, pests like scale, mites, and fungal infections can still be active. Regularly inspect your plants and remove any signs of trouble. Treat with horticultural oils or natural pest control methods if necessary.

7. Give Them Time to Rest

It can be tempting to give dormant plants extra attention, but remember that they need this period of rest. Overwatering, over-pruning, or trying to force growth can stress the plant and reduce its ability to bounce back in the spring. Let your plants take their natural course, and they’ll reward you with vigorous growth when the weather warms up again.

Final Thoughts

Caring for winter dormant or transitioning plants is about giving them the time and conditions they need to rest and recharge. By adjusting your watering, pruning, and protection methods, you can help them survive the winter months and thrive when spring returns. Dormancy is a natural part of the growing cycle, and with a little patience, your garden will be ready to burst back into life as soon as the days start to warm.

Happy Winter Gardening!