Steps to Care for Your Houston Plants After a Freeze

By Todd Farber, Aggie Horticulturist and Garden Guy

Houston winters can surprise us with sudden freezes, leaving homeowners wondering about the fate of their plants. As a lifelong Texan and horticulturist, I’ve seen firsthand how frost impacts our beloved gardens. While some plants bounce back, others may need extra care—or even replacement. Let’s dive into what happens to plants during a freeze, how to identify frost damage, and what steps you can take to help your landscaping recover.

How Freezing Temperatures Affect Plants

When temperatures drop below freezing, the water inside a plant’s cells freezes. This expands the water, ruptures the cells, and damages the plant’s tissues. While some plants are naturally cold-hardy, others, particularly tropical and tender perennials common in Houston landscapes, are highly susceptible.

Key Effects of Freezing Temperatures on Plants:

• Leaf Damage: Leaves may wilt, turn black, or develop a burned appearance. This is especially common in tropical plants like hibiscus or banana trees.

• Stem Damage: Stems may soften, split, or become mushy, especially in plants like bougainvillea or other tender shrubs.

• Root Stress: In severe freezes, roots near the soil surface can be damaged, particularly if the plant isn’t well-mulched or insulated.

• Dormancy Confusion: Freezes can disrupt a plant’s natural cycle, delaying growth or causing premature budding when temperatures warm again.

How to Identify Frost Damage

After a freeze, don’t panic! It can take a few days for frost damage to become apparent. Here’s what to look for:

1. Discolored or Wilted Leaves: Leaves may turn brown, black, or translucent. In some cases, they may feel crispy or mushy.

2. Softened Stems: Stems on cold-sensitive plants may feel soft, limp, or hollow.

3. Cracked Bark or Stems: For woody plants, bark may split or peel due to the rapid temperature change.

4. Delayed Growth: Plants that should be showing new growth may remain dormant or seem stunted.

🌨️ Houston Winters Got Your Plants in Trouble? 🌱

Sudden freezes can leave you worried about the fate of your garden. As a lifelong Texan and horticulturist, I know firsthand how frost impacts our beloved landscapes. Some plants bounce back with ease, while others may need extra care—or even a complete refresh.

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Steps to Take After a Freeze

1. Be Patient Before Pruning

It’s tempting to cut away damaged leaves and stems right away, but don’t rush. Wait until the risk of further freezes has passed. Early pruning can expose the plant to more damage if temperatures drop again. Give the plant time to show signs of new growth before making cuts.

2. Check for Signs of Life

Scratch the bark on woody plants with your fingernail or a small knife. If the tissue underneath is green, the plant is still alive. For herbaceous plants, look at the base of the plant near the soil for new growth.

3. Remove Dead Material

Once you’re confident no more freezes are coming, trim away dead or mushy leaves and stems. This helps prevent fungal infections and gives the plant a chance to focus its energy on healthy growth.

4. Water and Mulch

Give your plants a deep watering once the ground has thawed, as the freeze can dehydrate them. Add a fresh layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and protect the roots from future temperature swings.

5. Fertilize with Care

Hold off on heavy fertilizing immediately after a freeze. Instead, use a light, balanced fertilizer to encourage recovery without forcing the plant to overexert itself.

Which Plants Are Most Affected?

In Houston, the plants most vulnerable to freezes include:

• Tropical Plants: Hibiscus, banana trees, plumeria.

• Tender Perennials: Bougainvillea, lantana, firebush.

• Warm-Season Annuals: Impatiens, coleus, and marigolds.

On the other hand, many native plants and cold-hardy species—like yaupon holly, Texas sage, and rosemary—often weather freezes with little to no damage.

Planning Ahead: Protecting Your Plants for the Future

Protecting your garden from freezes doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some tips to prepare for the next cold snap:

• Cover Plants: Use frost cloths or sheets to insulate tender plants, and add plastic as a top layer for extra warmth. Remember to remove the plastic during sunny days to prevent overheating.

• Mulch Generously: A thick layer of mulch can insulate the roots and soil, protecting them from extreme cold.

• Move Containers: Bring potted plants indoors or into a sheltered area.

• Choose Cold-Hardy Plants: Incorporate more native and freeze-tolerant species into your landscaping to minimize future damage.

Need Help with Freeze Recovery?

If you’re unsure how to assess or revive your landscaping after the recent freeze, I’m here to help. At Garden Guy, we specialize in working with Houston homeowners to design and maintain resilient landscapes that can withstand our unpredictable weather.

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Remember, with a little patience and care, your garden can bounce back and thrive once again. Let’s keep Houston landscapes growing strong—one freeze at a time!

Todd Farber is an Aggie horticulturist and owner of Garden Guy, specializing in residential landscaping for Houston and Sugar Land homeowners.