We had a freeze on the 21st of December that got my banana, brugs, and crinum. I think it was more the heavy frost that bothered them as my hibiscus, variegated ginger, mexican sage didn't get taken out totally. Question about the crinum..........I think I read somewhere that I shouldn't cut off any of the mushy leaves till early spring. Is that right? It has new growth coming back out top so I'm not sure what to do. Also, what about banana?........leave it till spring to cut back to the ground?
Thanks for help.
Barbara
My crinum got whacked by frost
Barbara, I dont touch my criunums or bananas until spring, when I know the last frost has finally come and gone....I'm not sure if it's the "correct" thing to do, but it seems to work for me year after year. I think the dead foliage still provides a bit of insulation for future frosts. As soon as spring comes, if it looks wet mushy, intead of just dry and dead, I trim it off quickly. I have cut my banana trees in half before, if they look really bad, and not just trimmed back the leaves....My crinums I'm much more reserved with.
MerryMary
Thanks, MerryMary. I'll leave them alone.
I think she's right. I leave mine for mulch/protection of bulb/roots for future frost.