The thaw, which has begun in many regions, is accompanied by a grim spectacle: softened foliage, young shoots burned… What to do now?
1) If the cold has not been followed by rain, water abundantly.
We don’t think about it enough, but the dry and intense cold deprives the plants of water, which is often what causes them to die. Evergreen plants are the most exposed to water shortages after frost. Give priority to watering tin laurels, rhododendrons, camellias, Pieris and bamboo.
2) After protection, good ventilation.
If you have protected your chilly plants with a winter veil, that’s fine. However, remember to remove them after two or three days of mild weather. Indeed, this protection will allow your plant to warm up but you must avoid the phenomenon of condensation. Let your plant breathe, it needs it!
3) Don’t rush on the pruner !
Despite their uninviting appearance, many perennials will naturally recover and recover within days or weeks. For shrubs, if everything seems dead, before pulling out, check their sanitary condition . To do this, using a sharp blade, scratch the bark down to the sapwood. If it is black or dark brown, the wood is dead and will need to be cut. On the other hand, if the sapwood is green or white, the wood is healthy, the plant is still dormant and will wake up soon, be patient!
Finally, be aware that misfortune is good for everything: after the thaw, the earth is very easy to work. This is the perfect time to plant perennials and shrubs !
