How to Rejuvenate Plants After a Frost

Frost damage leaves plants with discolored foliage and is especially disheartening when it occurs in the spring, after lush new growth has developed. Though they may look dead at first glance, perennial plants are rarely killed by frost damage. The bloom cycle may be interrupted for the season, but roots generally remain healthy and productive. Rejuvenate the plants by eliminating damaged foliage so that new growth is stimulated. Keep in mind that plants damaged by fall frost are best left alone until spring, as significant re-growth should not be encouraged late in the season.

Things You'll Need

Black plastic
Spade
Flower pots

Pruning shears
General-purpose fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Cover frost-damaged plants with black plastic in early morning, before direct sunlight hits them. This keeps the frost from melting too rapidly, which may cause further damage to the foliage. Remove the plastic after all visible frost melts.
- 2
  Examine the soil around the base of affected plants, especially new additions to the garden, to make certain that the roots are well covered. The freezing and thawing of moist garden soil sometimes results in heaving, which causes the roots to rise slightly from the ground. If this occurs, replace the soil around the roots and pat it down firmly.
- 3
  Dig up and pot small, tender plants if repeated frosts are anticipated. Place the plants in a warm indoor location and prune away damaged foliage. Wait until new growth appears and frost danger has passed before replanting them in the garden.
- 4
  Trim damaged sections of garden plants back to healthy buds after the risk of frost has passed. Cut the plants back to soil level if no healthy foliage is visible.
- 5
  Feed your frost-damaged plants with a general-purpose fertilizer after pruning them back to encourage rapid growth. Apply the fertilizer in the amount recommended on the package.
- 6
  Water the plants until the soil feels very moist right after fertilizing.

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