It is too soon to prune

By Audrey Post
MS. GROW-IT-ALL®

Q: Last week's freeze did a real number on my yard. I want to trim back the dead foliage and make things neater. Is that OK or should I wait?

A: Actually, you're better off not trimming the freeze-damaged foliage on your perennials until spring. You might trim farther back than you need to; plus, pruning any plant signals it to start growing again. We're not finished with freezing weather this season, and any new growth would be especially susceptible to damage. The dead tops can serve as insulation for the growth bud below.

Come spring, after the danger of frost has passed, you can cut back your perennials. Depending on the type of perennial, you can cut them low to the ground or cut them just far enough to remove the dead foliage. If you want to remove just the dead foliage, start from the top and cut in short sections until you get to green tissue.

Q: I got a potted hydrangea as a Christmas gift. Can I plant it now or do I need to wait until spring?

A: Hydrangeas are cold-hardy, so winter is a good time to plant them in the Deep South. I would check the forecast to make sure there's not a freeze coming in the next two or three days, to give the plant a chance to settle in to its new home.

Be aware that while some hydrangeas make the transition from pot to ground just fine, other cultivars have been bred to be showy potted plants but don't do well when planted in the garden. If your hydrangea fails to thrive after two years in the ground, you might need to dig it up and plant it in a pot suitable to its size.

Q: I planted pansies in my flower boxes on my front porch in the fall, but they withered and died long before the first freeze. I kept them well-watered and the planters have good drainage, so what went wrong?

A: It could have been several things. The pansies could've been weak to begin with — from inconsistent watering or not enough sunlight. They could have been harboring a disease. Or, the soil in the planters might be old and worn out. Healthy soil is alive with micro-organisms.
If your porch is covered, though, I would guess that your pansies didn't like living in the shade. Pansies are full-sun annuals, and they will wither without it. I suggest you plant impatiens or begonias in your flower boxes. They like the shade and can take cool weather. They can't take freezing weather, though, so make sure you cover them if a hard freeze is predicted.