Sea Grape Bush Winter Survival in Zone 8b

Planted 3 sea grapes last year—grew wonderfully. Thought zone 8b ok (saw them like weeds in S. FL medians). Heavy mulch over winter. Mid-May—no sign of return. Dead? Too cold? Other tropicals (BOP, plumeria) fine.

Expert Advice

Patience after severe winter—sometimes months before new growth. Test: stems soft, don't snap like twigs. Terminal ends brittle, but lower stem rubbery = alive. After new growth, prune dead wood. Only death if ground froze—otherwise eventual regrowth from roots.