Watch Sun on Frozen Evergreens

We have recently seen how plants can survive hard frosts by reducing the water content in their cells. And if things get really bad, the roots can freeze as well. The plants react as they would in drought: they shut down and begin to wilt, as seen here with this frozen fatsia, which has dropped its leaves down by its side awaiting the thaw.

This is a particularly dangerous time for many evergreens, especially young ones with tender tissue and shallow roots. A drying wind could leave them unable to replace any water which might be subsequently lost, thus causing scorching. Strong morning sun is also a problem on such plants as camellias which might have similar difficulties in frosty weather.