Vinca Minor Freeze Damage & Deer-Resistant Plants for North Houston

Vinca Minor (Periwinkle) After Hard Freeze

Vinca is frost-hardy but top growth blackens in severe cold. Roots often survive.

Recovery Steps

1. Apply 3″ deep mulch (pine straw, leaves) over plants now—insulates roots.
2. On sunny days, pull mulch back briefly to let sun warm soil; replace before night.
3. Wait. New growth emerges from crowns in spring.

Deer-Resistant Plants for Your Area

No plant is deer-proof, but these are rarely browsed in Zone 9a:

• Shrubs: Texas Sage (Leucophyllum), Yaupon Holly, Rosemary, Agarito.
• Perennials: Salvia greggii, Lantana, Blackfoot Daisy, Mexican Bush Sage.
• Grasses: Gulf Muhly, Inland Sea Oats.

Only Sure Solution: 6-ft Wire Fence

Repellents are temporary. A 6-ft welded wire fence around beds is the only reliable exclusion.