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
Barbara Barrera says
I’d love to know about hibiscus and roses. Also, I am afraid the aloe vera and desert rose plants are gone. Is there any way to save them?
James Gill says
Hibiscus is likely dead close to ground. Check for green under bark and cut to that point. Roses should be fine. Aloe and desert rose if in pots may be dead and chuckable. But you could dig down and see if any roots are firm in a week or so, and maybe they will regrow.
Barbara Barrera says
Thank you so much. You and the other staff are always so helpful.
Leslie Lindeen says
Hi need info on succulents and aloe even well covered they look half dead
James Gill says
Aloe and desert rose if in pots may be dead and chuckable. But you could dig down and see if any roots are firm in a week or so, and maybe they will regrow.