Assessing Winter Damage: Wait Until Mid-April to Prune

The 2014 Polar Vortex Test

Multiple sub-10°F events revealed true plant hardiness. Some surprises: fatsia and pittosporum weathered the cold well, while gardenia, loropetalum, and daphne showed varying damage.

What to Expect

• Azalea/rhododendron: Random branch dieback in early summer if bark cracked.
• Hydrangeas: Green tissue under bark and tight buds suggest good survival.

Golden Rule

Do no pruning until mid-April. Many plants that look dead will push new growth from dormant buds. Patience prevents removing live wood.