How to Tell If Your Plants Survived the Winter in Texas

How to Tell If Your Plants Survived the Winter in Texas

Texas winters can be unpredictable—mild one year and harsh the next. If you’re wondering whether your plants made it through the cold, there are several ways to assess their condition before deciding on any next steps. Here’s how to determine if your plants survived the winter and what to do if they didn’t.

One of the best indicators of a plant’s survival is new growth. Look for fresh green shoots, buds, or leaves emerging from the base or branches. Perennials, shrubs, and trees often take some time to bounce back, so patience is key.

If your plant appears lifeless, try the scratch test:

• Use a small knife or your fingernail to scratch the outer bark on a stem or branch.
• If the layer underneath is green and moist, the plant is still alive.
• If it’s brown and dry, that section is likely dead. However, check lower on the plant, as some parts may still be viable.

Bend the stems slightly. If they snap easily and appear dry and brittle, they’re likely dead. Flexible branches, even if leafless, might still be alive and could sprout new growth as temperatures warm.

If you suspect a plant didn’t survive, gently dig around the roots. Healthy roots should be firm and white or light in color. If they’re mushy, dark, or have an unpleasant smell, the plant may have suffered root rot from excessive cold or moisture.

Some plants, especially native Texas perennials, can take weeks or even months to recover. Plants like lantanas, figs, and crape myrtles might look dead but often regenerate from their root system in late spring or early summer.

Freeze damage to plants can extend all the way into the roots or crown structure, making recovery especially difficult. The problem occurs when cells inside the plant freeze, causing a cellular shift and permanent damage to the tissue.

The ability to recover depends on the plant type and how long it was exposed to the cold. Light freezes are usually survivable for most plants except tropical varieties.

• For woody plants, cut out damaged material in spring to encourage new growth.
• Keep plants moist and apply a light fertilizer after all danger of frost has passed.
• More tender plants may not withstand freeze damage and will behave like annuals, needing replacement.
• For some perennials, root damage may be partial, allowing you to divide and replant the sections that survived.

Succulents and cacti store large amounts of water in their thick leaves and stems, making them especially vulnerable to freezing. The damage can be severe, but some may recover:

• Do not immediately cut off damaged foliage or stems.
• Observe the plant for several weeks before taking action.
• Gently pull on interior leaves of aloe or agave—if they come out easily and are mushy or black at the base, the plant has died and should be removed.
• If you see new leaves or growth, the plant is salvageable.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to determine whether your plants survived the winter and take action to help them thrive in the warmer months ahead.

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