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
Daryl Taliaferro says
We have a screened in patio and pulled the shades down had five huge house plants inside they were at least four feet tall, corn plant, elephant ears schefalerra etc all froze and the leaves laying down and black in color. Can they be brought back or history? Thank you for all your help with all of us gardeners
James Gill says
If you had supplemental heat then a chance. Squeeze the stems, scratch the bark. Cut away dead. Wait for live to show.
Barbara Honaker says
Mr. Gill, what about a frozen firebush? Can I cut it down to the ground? I am doing the same for foxtail fern and asparagus. Thank you.
James Gill says
Yes, cut all to the ground.