Overwintering Temperate Carnivorous Plants in NYC: Frost Protection Guidelines

Protecting Venus Flytraps, Sarracenia, and Drosera from NYC Winter Cold

A grower in NYC has Dionaea, S. flava, S. rubra, S. purpurea, 'Scarlet Belle', and D. intermedia. After three frosts (29°F), plants appear freeze-dried. They ask if protection is needed.

Expert Advice

Jeff Dallas: Upper 20s°F is fine. If temperatures drop to low 20s or teens (especially with wind), cover plants. For prolonged deep freezes, mulch heavily or move to a sheltered location (garage) until day temps rise above freezing. Never bring dormant plants into a warm house—this breaks dormancy and destroys cold tolerance.

Species Hardiness

• Most tender: Venus flytrap.
• Quite tough: S. flava, S. rubra, S. purpurea, 'Scarlet Belle', D. intermedia.

Resource

Detailed hands-on winterization techniques are covered in the Volume #1 DVD.