Freezing Rain at the Nursery

A few days ago, we experienced freezing rain, which happens when the temperature near the ground is below freezing and the temperature near the clouds is above freezing. When rain falls and hits the ground, it freezes into a sheet of ice. In our case, the temperature was 24°F (-7°C) when it started to rain. So, we had a layer of ice throughout the nursery. It sure was fun watching the dogs play fetch on the driveway!

As for the outdoor plants, they're fine. It wasn't windy at all, so we weren't worry of them freeze drying. The glaze of ice would have offered some protection from the wind, though. Yes, pots froze solid. People often ask us if they die when that happens. We've been growing these outdoor perennials like this since the start of the nursery in 1995. If these plants died every time the pots froze solid, we would have been out of business decades ago!

Tropical plants, of course, are nestled in a cozy heated greenhouse. I'll post photos of them later.

Jeff with a tray of Sarracenia. The water froze solid!

A glaze of ice on Sarracenia leucophylla, Lil' Big Mouth. 
This variety keeps its leaves even during a freeze like this.

The resting bud (hibernaculum) of Drosera filiformis.
The ice actually offers some protection from desiccation (freeze drying).

Venus Flytrap encased in ice.

Sarracenia Northern Cortii in ice.

The water in the Northern Cortii pitcher also froze solid.

The work area at the nursery. With a layer of ice on the gravel, it was like a skating rink!

Want to learn about caring for Sarracenia and Flytraps in winter? Read our digital download, The Ultimate Carnivorous Plant Guide for Beginners.