Hello! I am your Bird of Paradise plant, a proud native of the warm, frost-free landscapes of South Africa. My very DNA is coded for sunshine, humidity, and gentle breezes. I do not possess any natural defense mechanisms against freezing temperatures. When the mercury drops below 50°F (10°C), my growth grinds to a halt. If exposed to temperatures at or below freezing (32°F / 0°C), the water within my cells crystallizes, rupturing my cell walls and causing irreversible damage. My magnificent, banana-like leaves will turn black and limp, and my sturdy stems will become soft and mushy. Prolonged cold will ultimately be fatal. Therefore, your mission to overwinter me outdoors is a high-stakes endeavor that is only possible in the very warmest regions.
Our success depends entirely on the partnership between my needs and the local climate you provide. I can only hope to survive an outdoor winter without significant protection if we are in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 10 or, ideally, the warmer parts of Zone 11. In these zones, winter lows rarely, if ever, dip below 30-35°F (-1 to 2°C). If we are in Zone 9b, where brief dips to 25-30°F (-4 to -1°C) are possible, the situation becomes extremely precarious and will require a heroic effort on your part. If we are in Zone 9a or below, I must respectfully but firmly insist on being moved indoors to survive.
Assuming we are in a borderline suitable zone, we must fortify my position. First, ensure I am planted in the most strategic location possible—a spot that receives maximum winter sunlight and is shielded from harsh, desiccating north and west winds by a wall, fence, or dense evergreen shrubs. As autumn progresses, you must cease fertilizing me. I need to enter a state of dormancy, not be encouraged to produce tender new growth that is highly susceptible to cold. Continue to water me, but only when the soil is dry to the touch, as my water requirements diminish significantly in cooler weather.
When a frost or freeze is forecast, we must act. The goal is to trap the geothermal heat radiating from the earth around my central crown and root zone. Please do not simply throw a thin sheet over me; it offers little insulation. Instead, create a framework of stakes around me that is taller than my foliage. Drape a blanket, burlap, or a frost cloth over this frame, ensuring it extends all the way to the ground. Secure it well. This creates a pocket of still air, a fantastic insulator. For added protection, especially in Zone 9b, you can pile a thick, loose, and dry mulch—like straw, pine needles, or shredded bark—around my base, covering the crown. Remember to remove this mulch once the danger of hard frost has passed in spring to prevent rot.
After a cold event, wait until temperatures rise above freezing before removing my protective covers. You may discover some leaf damage. Brown, black, or wilted leaves are a casualty of the cold. However, please do not be too quick to prune them away. While unsightly, this damaged foliage actually provides an extra layer of protection for the rest of my structure against future cold snaps. Wait until the absolute certainty of frost has passed in spring before carefully trimming away the dead material. This will allow you to accurately assess the true damage and see if my core and roots have survived.
