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 Honaker says
One other question….I have a ponytail palm that is about 5 feet tall. It still has leaves but they are very droopy……just keep watering it? Thanks.
James Gill says
If the ponytail is in a pot it is most likely dead. In the ground it may sprout from the base. Wait and see.
Lisa Golab says
I have 2 large plumeria that are weeping, a plumbago & meyer lemon tree. Hopeful they survive.
James Gill says
If the plumeria are in pots they are most likely dead. If in the ground, probably dead to the ground and may come back from there. Plumbago same, but most sure to come back from ground. Citrus have not yet shown the extent of their damage, we don’t know.
Lisa Golab says
Both plumeria & plumbago are in ground. Will wait to see. Lemon tree leaves are all yellowed. It had the most blooms ever before the freeze. Thanks for your reply. Much appreciated.