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
Patricia says
Can I cut my asparagus ferns now, and should I cut them down to the ground? They are brown.
James Gill says
Yes cut now and to the ground. They will come back.
Bob says
Is St Augustine dead or most likely just dormant? Also, what about a Jatropha and an Avocado tree? Several fronds collapsed on my queen palms but the newest vertical fronds at the top look fine so I am hoping they will be ok. Thanks so much for your advice!!
James Gill says
St. Augustine will likely come back. Wait until it is actively growing before you fertilize. Jatropha and avocado most likely dead to the ground. Queens palm is questionable, just wait and see. Palm video should be out on our email
this Thursday. https://gillnursery.com/subscribe/