This is a great question to be asking yourself. All plants that are grown in the climate zone they are adapted to do not need protecting in the fall when it frost. This of course only applies to perennials, shrubs, and trees. Trees need the frost to begin their hibernation period in the winter. If the tree is deciduous, then as the sap runs out of the tree, the leaves fall off (if it is a Maple Tree, then you can get maple syrup as the sap runs out…sorta). Shrubs also go dormant during the winter, so they enjoy the cold weather to give them a break from growing.
Perennials, depending on what they are, typically will drop all of their sap to the point that the leaves and the stems will become very brittle and just break off. This is good. These types of plants will give you new growth in the spring from the root.
Annuals, however, if they were spring flowers will kill over very quickly and have no chance of recovery. Just pull them up and throw them away.
Mums will bloom very brilliantly until they get several hard frost on them and then the blooms begin to turn brown and ultimately the whole plants turns brown. If you plant the mum, many times it will come out from the root next spring. I always recommend keeping he dead foliage attached because it gives some protection for the root during the winter. Covering the blooming mums will often protect the blooms and let them have a couple more days of brilliance.
Happy Frost
Should I cover plants in the fall when it frost?
I find it hard to tell what should perhaps be covered because where I live we get mild winters some years and then once in a while we get a very cold winter which damages some of my perennials. I have cut them back and most have survived but it takes them a while to come back to where they were before the cold, cold winter. I guess I will cover up those that seem the most vulnerable.
It might be helpful after the frost has killed off the foliage, to use a mulch, maybe pine needles or some other type of mulch, to cover the root stock of the plant for the winter. You can remove the heavy mulch in the early spring after you are past the extreme cold months. The mulch will insulate and protect from the frost and snow touching the roots directly.
I've always wanted to grow plants, but I always find myself stuck in the planning stage. I need a crash course in Planting 101. I came across this blog, and I was surprised by how clueless I am about perennials, annuals and other stuff concerning plants. LOL!
I am glad to help. Email me with any extra questions.
I do love flowers and lot of greenery but have no aptitude for gardening. Can you tell me of a good primer to start with. I live in San Fransisco.