After the Freeze: Assessing and Recovering from Late Spring Cold Damage

An unusually warm March 2007 was shattered by a two-day plunge to 27°F on April 6–7. Many plants had already produced substantial new growth before the cold snap hit.

Chart of High and Low Temperatures

After the freeze, numerous shrubs and trees showed damage: crapemyrtle, Japanese maple, butterfly bush, hydrangea, loropetalum, canna, and even 'Burford' holly displayed frozen foliage.

The Good News: Plants Will Recover

Most of these plants will not die. The majority flower on new growth (stems emerging after March). Frozen leaves will drop, and fresh foliage will emerge within weeks.

Hydrangea Exception

Hydrangeas bloom on old wood—stems from the previous fall. Many had already pushed new growth and tiny flower buds. Damaged branch tips likely won't flower this year, but undamaged lower limbs may still produce June blooms.

Hosta Care

Trim off all dead portions, but preserve as much healthy leaf surface as possible.

Woody Plant Strategy

Wait two weeks after the freeze, then prune only stems showing no leaf emergence. Most woody plants will leaf out and bloom normally in summer.

Non-Flowering Plants

Japanese maples may show a few dead twigs—remove them once confirmed dead later in the season.

See: Freeze Damage to Landscape Plants

Freeze damage to hydrangea leaves

Freeze damage to hydrangea flower bud

Freeze damage to crapemyrtle

Freeze damage to loropetalum

Freeze damage to fig

Freeze damage to persimmon

Freeze damage to butterfly bush