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
Elaine Clanton Harpine, Ph. D. says
I normally fertilize my roses at this time of year. I have trimmed the dead leaves off. I already have new growth and rose buds after the freeze. Should I go ahead and fertilize the roses or wait? Thank you.
James Gill says
Yes, you can fertilize now.
Laine Bradford says
HI. Any advice on giant bird of paradise? All leaves brown and dropping/broken. If I cut the brown leaves, it will leave only the stalks/”fan” part of the plant. How low do you cut it? Thanks
James Gill says
Cut it low. We are hoping they will regrow from the base.