Q.Gardenia With Winter Frost Burn
My beautiful gardenia has suffered what appears to be a bad winter frost. It is mostly “black. ” Will it come back if I prune it, or should I leave it alone? We had an extremely hard winter here in Leland, NC and I’m not sure what it could or could not withstand.
Thank you.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
I am sorry to hear about your plant. The cold has damaged many plants this year. 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. Be aware that the buds will have been damaged and it is unlikely you will get flowers this year. 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/gardenia/when-to-prune-a-gardenia.htm
