frosthærdige

Frosthærdige, or frost-hardy, describes the ability of organisms or materials to withstand freezing temperatures without sustaining damage. In horticulture and gardening, the term is most often applied to plants that can survive winter outdoors in a given climate. Frost-hardy plants are contrasted with tender or frost-sensitive species, which require protection, indoor overwintering, or relocation to milder climates. The concept is closely tied to regional hardiness classifications that map minimum tolerated temperatures.

Hardiness is influenced by species, cultivar, and environmental conditions. Factors include acclimation during autumn, soil temperature, moisture, wind exposure, and snow cover. In practice, gardeners refer to hardiness zones (such as USDA or European classifications) that describe the minimum average temperature a plant can tolerate. Gardeners can increase frost tolerance through gradual hardening, mulching, and appropriate site selection. Plant lists often label varieties as frost-hardy to a certain temperature, for example -10°C, -20°C, etc.

Frost-hardiness is not absolute and may vary with year-to-year weather. Sudden early frosts, late-spring frosts, or microclimates can still damage even otherwise frost-hardy species. For materials, frost resistance refers to resistance to damage from freeze-thaw cycles, such as water infiltration and expansion within pores. In both contexts, frost-hardy is a relative term that depends on climate, exposure, and management.