Frozen Bird of Paradise and Phoenix Roebelenii Palm

Question

I have a very large, old and established bird of paradise in my yard. I live in northern Florida and this has been the coldest winter. My bird of paradise and my Phoenix roebelenii palm are both quite brown. It is now past the freezing point and I would like to know if I can save these two plants. Please let me know what I should do.

Answer 1

I would wait until spring is fully here to cut back the plant. It will help protect the new growth, just in case another freeze occurs. But, you will need to remove the yellow and brown fronds and leaves in the spring but only those as they will not come back. Do not remove green fronds or leave. These articles will help you as well:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/how-to-tell-if-a-plant-is-dead-and-how-to-recover-an-almost-dead-plant.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/tips-for-saving-cold-damaged-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/bop/bird-of-paradise-pruning.htm