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
Sandy austin says
I’m wondering if our huge 30ft rain tree will make it. It hasn’t started showing any regrowth yet. Could the freeze have postponed its leafing out?
James Gill says
I have not examined any rain trees (Chinese Flame Tree) yet but it is said to be cold hardy as far north as Dallas.
judy stedronsky says
1) I used the copper fungicide on my 15 year old Queen palms about a week ago. No more bent fronds but no
hint of green from the core either. Should I repeat the fungicide? If so, how often?
2) My Navel Orange tree has been pruned big time, furtilized and watered. No leaves or buds. There is still a
hint of green when I do the scratch test on the trunk. Is there anything else I can do? Do you think it has a
chance?
James Gill says
I had some hopes for queens palm, but I have not seen any with new growth yet, so I’m getting pessimistic about their chances. Nothing to do but wait, but not so much hope now. I just today observed 2 citrus trees unprotected that were sprouting. Not ready to declare them survivors, but worth waiting another week or two. Do not try to force them with water and fertilizer, just wait and observe.