We have a lace cap and we are in zone 6.
Every fall I place a wire cage around it and fill the cage with shredded leaves.
Do you really think it's necessary to protect the buds?
Paul
Lace Cap
Hello Paul, how nice to see you here. In answer to your question, I think - yes. All the news buds on my shrubs were damaged and blackened by the frost last Spring. Having said that, they faced East and not a good idea when they need protection from the morning sun after a frost. Dappled shade is always best of course and some morning sun is OK. I noticed today that although the leaves on my shrubs are blackened by the frost during the past two days, new buds have started to emerge. I'm either going to have to move the shrubs or do the same as you. Some folk leave old blooms on the plant to protect it. A late winter frost after they have broken dormancy will also damage flower buds leading to poor or no bloom the following summer. I was also thinking of a type of fleece material that we use back home to warm up the ground before planting. But it would probably look unsightly draped over all the shrubs.