Next in importance is soil type. It affects drainage or water retention. Both heavy and high clay content soils do not drain freely, and excessively light soils have poor water retention. Both of these conditions will adversely influence cold weather survival. Dry fall conditions, due to low rainfall or insufficient watering, puts added stress on plants. These plants enter the winter in a weakened condition and with a reduced ability to tolerate low temperatures. This is further compounded by wind, which causes drying out, as well as possible erosion of soil from around the crowns.

Snow, acting as an insulating blanket, protects the roots from heaving and drying out, caused by thawing and refreezing during sunny winter day and frigid nights. It also discourages precocious growth. However, these problems can be alleviated by winter mulching after the ground is thoroughly frozen. Wind may remove the natural mulch of the snow cover.

Some plants need a degree of cold for their well-being. These plants must undergo a period of dormancy, naturally induced by low temperatures. In areas with mild winters, such plants will not bloom satisfactorily with out special attention. Some can be forced into dormancy by gradually withholding water.