Easy, cheap way to cover newly planted shrubs in zone 8?

Question

I just planted a ton of azaleas and leyland cypress trees and it's supposed to freeze this weekend. The cypress trees are planted 15 feet apart, the azaleas 4 feet apart. What is an economical way to cover them during this cold spell? Do I need to uncover them during the day? I'm a newly wed, so I don't have "old" sheets or towels that I want to use outside. All of the plants have mulch around the bases.

I am in the Savannah Georgia, United States part of zone 8

Answer 1

Unless you are expecting temperatures of 10 degrees or less, I wouldn't worry too much about these plants. They should be able to withstand cold air temperatures. It is frozen roots you need to worry about and I don't think the ground will freeze there. A very cold snap in the spring can also damage flower buds, but I think you will be okay this weekend. Incidentally, get some old sheets at a garage sale or something. They are very good for covering plants. Plastic is bad because it conducts cold and damages small stems when the wind blows.

Answer 2

If your Azaleas are small, use an empty milk jug with the top cut off and that should keep the area around the plant like a green house, therefore keeping the humidity that the area is used to.

Answer 3

Most will survive without too much problem. Cover them to prevent prolonged frost, and if the ground is frozen don't water them when planting.

I have no idea where Zone 8 is. Next time specify your country & location.

Answer 4

if you just planted them, don't worry
this time of year the shrubs are dormant
the will survive with no problems