Healthy, well-adapted plants in the ground with well-developed root systems stand a great chance of recovering after a frost.
Freeze events in San Antonio are few and far between, but when they do occur there’s a great gnashing of teeth over how to protect plants — and how to clean them up afterwards.
As we learn after every freeze, a healthy, well-adapted plant in the ground with a well-developed root system, stands a great chance of recovering after freezing temperatures.
Soft woody plants, active bloomers and potted plants tend to be the most susceptible to freezes. Potted plants are the easiest to help if they can be moved to a protective space. But for in-ground plants, many of us rush to cover plants with structures, fabrics, lights and water before a freeze, leading to a scene of icy Beetlejuice-style wrappings throughout the neighborhood.
There are commercial coverings designed to cover plants, but they can be costly, and in the rush of an impending freeze many big box stores will run out. Bed sheets, blankets, burlap or newspaper to drape and protect plants work just as well. Any fabric covering allows moisture to escape and, when draped all the way to the ground, can keep cold air from coming in direct contact with the plant. Bed sheets work well for protecting large plants and shrubs, but newspaper and even small volcanoes of mulch or leaves can be used for smaller, low-to-the-ground plants.
Note, experts caution against using plastic because the material doesn’t breathe and can actually trap moisture, compounding the freezing problem. Also, it doesn’t insulate as well; where the plastic makes contact with the leaves, they can freeze anyway.
Whatever covering you use, remember to remove it promptly after a freeze has passed.
Some of the worst effects of a “hard” freeze are often seen architectural agaves and sagos that are too big to cover. Sago palms always attract attention because they can turn completely yellow after a freeze. But as we all know, green leaves will shortly reappear. Don’t rush to clean them up; the damaged leaves can act as a bit of insulation in case of other freezes this winter.
Agaves and prickly pears, meanwhile, may just look like they’ve melted. But as long as a healthy firm core remains, you can wait until new green growth starts to reappear in spring before making any decisions about what’s dead and what’s not.
For natives and well-adapted perennials especially, you can wait to perform grooming until after Valentine’s Day.
