Knowledgebase

Freeze damage #742284

Asked April 03, 2021, 1:47 PM EDT

We have a large Texas Sage plant that was damaged by the hard freeze. I thought it was dead but it has put out a few leaves off some of the larger limbs. I've scraped one of the large limbs and it appears to be green under the bark. The smaller limbs appear to be dead. My question is, should I prune this shrub or take it out. If I do prune it how severe should the pruning be? Thanks for any advise you can give.

Travis County Texas

Expert Response


Hi Jan: Thanks for your question.  Sorry to hear about the damage that your sage plant suffered.

This information sheet from Aggie Horticulture notes that Texas sage are hardy to 5 degrees. Depending on the temperatures your plant experienced, it may well survive. The sheet suggests that light pruning to preserve the plant's natural shape is ideally done in late winter or early spring before buds form, and possibly again in early summer.  This sheet reinforces the idea of light pruning: https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/parsons/search.php?category=Texas%20Sage

From what I understand, it is best not to use hedging pruners or shears, but rather hand pruners or lopers. Certainly, dead limbs should be removed.

This pruning guide may help as well: https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/earthkind/landscape/proper-pruning-techniques/

Best wishes for your plant's health moving forward.

Regards,

Gregory Thomas

Travis County Master Gardeners

Travis County Master Gardeners Replied April 04, 2021, 3:30 PM EDT

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