Assessing Freeze Damage in a Sarasota Xeriscape: Which Plants Will Return?

Most Will Come Back; Crown of Thorns May Not

Jatropha, ginger, bougainvillea, ficus, pentas, plumbago, sweet potato—all should resprout from roots if cambium is green. Crown of thorns (Euphorbia milii) is less cold-tolerant.

Check & Wait

• Scratch bark for green cambium.
• Water as needed.
• No pruning until new growth.
• Patience—Port Charlotte to Sarasota, same story.

Why This Works

Roots in Florida sand rarely freeze. Top growth dies; roots live. Spring reveals survivors.