Over the next few weeks, we will be addressing the freeze damage to plants which everyone has suffered. We are working on a video giving easy to follow instructions about what to prune and how.
It is not critical, and in fact, may be too early, to start most pruning immediately. If you have palm leaves hanging down, you may prune them as soon as this last freeze (hopefully) passes. Gingers, which look blowtorched, may be cut to 18″ tall this weekend if desired. Blackened, wilted herbaceous plants like Mexican petunia (Ruellia) and shrimp plant can be cut close to the ground. But woody shrubs like ixora and plumbago, small trees like citrus, and sad looking philodendrons should be left alone another week until we can more closely determine the level of damage, and therefore where to prune.
Watch for us to address these recovery issues here in the Garden News and on social media. Email us at info@gillnursery or message us on Facebook and Instagram with your related questions, so our upcoming instruction video is as complete as possible in helping you through this temporary setback.
– James Gill
Paula says
Y’all are Awesome ????
Yolanda says
Thank you for the information about the ginger plant cant wait for the video how about pony tail palm when to prune dead limbs mine was 10 foot tall
James Gill says
Squeeze the stem, if it is firm you are probably good, if not keep going lower to trim at firm wood. If the ponytail is potted but not brought in, it may be dead completely. If it is in the ground, it is likely to be alive at least at the base, and can regrow nicely over the next few years.
Janice Furch says
Please discuss pruning plumerias. I have several, some as high as the feet.
James Gill says
Squeeze the stem, if it gives, go down farther until firm tissue to prune. Contact local plumeria society for more info.
Sue Stockton says
Thank you so very much. Our foxtail palms look pitiful and I’m so stressed that we may have lost them. They are 5 years old and were so healthy, just beautiful. Please address these if you would. So many of us Islanders have Foxtail Palms. They are hardy and extremely easy to grow and maintain.
James Gill says
From what I’ve seen, I am guessing most foxtails and cuban royals are dead. But only time will tell.
Susan says
Thanks, James!
You and Sally are amazing!
Sandi says
Thank you for your useful information. I am looking forward to the video.
Debby Eubank says
Thank you!
Linda Powell says
Great information. Thank you. I’ll be ready to plant when the time is right.
Linda
Lisa M Kelley says
What is your recommendation for cardboard palms? I have some in ground and some huge ones in pots. Also, how can I determine hiw far I need to trim back inground hibiscus? Thanks for your help. This has just been so awful!! Thanks again.
Lisa Kelley
James Gill says
Cardboard palms may be dead, especially in pots. Remove dead leaves and wait for months, or dissect one looking for firm live tissue to decide whether to wait on the others or not.
Mendy Borden says
Thank you
Elizabeth says
Thank you! This is SO helpful!
Lori Foster says
So happy I checked your site! We had Jurassic park size philodendrons , now we know to wait a week….same with lemon tree!