It was nice having some cold weather for Christmas, but some of our plants might disagree.
Covering plants (and keeping them covered) was a big challenge with such high winds. Chances are, we’ve all got some plants that suffered damage. But it’s too early to give up and too soon to prune! Here are a few do’s and don’t do’s right now.
The good news is our forecast looks warm and sunny! Our best advice right now is to get everything uncovered, water well, and let everything enjoy the sunshine. The cold, dry wind dried everything out, so most plants will need water. But use a moisture meter and be sure not to water too much. Some plants wilt and look thirsty just because they’re cold and will perk up as temps rise.
Tender tropical plants like Philodendrons, Gingers, Cannas, and Bananas probably look pretty defeated right now unless you were able to cover them really well. Give tender tropicals at least a week before deciding to cut them back. Woodier tropicals like Bougainvillea and Hibiscus may have some damaged foliage, and will likely be fine, but time will tell. Don’t prune them yet.
Many perennials (such as Salvias, Duranta, Turk’s Cap, Mexican Bush Sage) that were left uncovered should survive. They look bad and they lost a lot of foliage, but they are mostly dormant right now anyway. Our first instinct may be to cut them back now, but it’s too early! You don’t want to prune now and make the plant think it’s time to start coming out of dormancy and putting on new growth. That new growth would be more cold-sensitive. Also, the ugly burned foliage will act as insulation if we get another freeze. If you can tolerate the unsightliness, leave them alone. If not, remove the damaged leaves, but don’t prune. Wait to prune until February when it’s time for plants to start putting on new Spring growth.
Keep in mind, it’s still Winter! Keep your frost cloth and plant covering supplies handy in case we get another cold snap. As always, get in touch if you have questions about specific plants. You can send us pictures to info@gillnursery.com, Facebook, or Instagram. Or give us a call or stop by!
Cindy says
Thank you for this info. This is all new to me and my front yard was planted with shrubs for this area – Port A
N says
I love these emails! We don’t have plants yet, but I am ready to get started. Can you include tips for aspiring gardeners waiting through the cold weather to get started in the next update?
James Gill says
N- if the plants you want are normally freeze tolerant, like Indian hawthorn, live oak, Texas sage, anything other than tropicals, DO NOT WAIT for spring, PLANT NOW! We just today did a volunteer butterfly garden planting at Windsor Park Elementary, because plants planted now grow roots the next two months, and therefore will show much more top growth and drought tolerance in spring and summer.
Dora says
Question on the plumerias. Some are soft on the tips, should I cut that off or wait?
Jesse Jenkins says
If plumerias are soft and mushy to the touch, go ahead and remove those areas. Be sure to cut at an angle so moisture doesn’t sit on the stub. If we have another freeze, it will be critical to cover/protect it.
Dora says
Thank you for your advice. My Cannas & Hibiscus look so sad, but will leave them alone till pruning time. Always look forward to your articles.
Diane says
Thank you! And my plants are thanking you. I was just about to head for the pruning shears. Not yet!
Tamara Murray says
I’d be lost without y’all! As a new South Texas gardener transplanted from Colorado, I have much to learn. I appreciate all your advice. Thank you!
Donna says
Is it time to remove allthe dead ‘mush’ from very frozen Arrowhead plants and sweet potato vine ? I read this can cause fungus in the bed if left ?
Jesse Jenkins says
Yes, you can go ahead and remove the damage on those. Once you’ve done that, mulch the area to help insulate/protect the roots.
Lor says
Thanks I love these email was searching for it yesterday. Please provide me with tips to better prepare next year would you suggest putting lights and brick around the roots to keep plants better insulated?
Jesse Jenkins says
Hi Lor – for the next freeze, be sure you’ve got plenty of frost cloth and things to weigh it down with. Bricks work great. Using lights or heating coils can be helpful, but also hazardous. Making a tent with frost cloth to seal in ground warmth will do the trick.
Maureen Steger says
Thanks so much for this! I was going to do a web search today and you were on it! Much appreciated.
Sandi Morita says
Thank you for the helpful information.