Should I Cut Back My Frost-damaged Hibiscus?

Question

The bush was damaged by a hard frost several weeks ago. I thought it was dead, but some new leaves have come out at ground level. Should I leave it alone, or cut back the dead wood?

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Answer 1

First make sure the wood is dead. Scrape off some bark, and if it is green, it is still alive and may produce leaves and stems. If the wood is white or gray, go ahead and prune out all the dead wood. It looks like it is coming back from the roots.

Here is more on freeze damaged plants and their care:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/how-to-treat-frozen-plants.htm