Be patient when dealing with freeze-damaged plants

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The landscape across the First Coast changed the past two days following a spell of freezing temperatures.

Pete Miller wrapped his tender plants in plastic, hoping it would take some bite from the cold for his plants.

"My wife and I dug every one of these holes and planted everyone of these plants. You want to keep them healthy and safe," said Miller fromhis front yard in Mandarin.

Nick Zimmer knows something about plants and freeze damage. Zimmer handles all kinds of plant issues at Trad's Garden Center on San Jose Boulevard.

"Just because it looks dead now doesn't mean it is actually dead," said Zimmer, making reference to a hibiscus that looked distressed from the freeze.

Zimmer said don't think of pruning back damage until March, when the threat of hard freezes has passed.

Then, he said, cut back dead wood until you see green in bark.

Zimmer noted that he believesblankets or sheets offer better protection than plastic. He also said when covering a plant, make surethe covering goes all the way to the ground so the plant can capture heat from the ground.

First Coast News

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Be patient when dealing with freeze-damaged plants