Winter burned plants

This spring we will see things we haven’t seen in a number of years.  Temperatures dropped below zero multiple times this winter.  Many plants in our landscapes are marginally hardy which means they may be killed back or burned in very cold winters.  Expect die back on crepe myrtle, butterfly bush, some azaleas, and possible cherry laurel.  Roots of these plants will be fine.  Also, even hardy southern magnolia will have leaf burn.  While leaves will look bad, new foliage should be fine.  However, remember that southern magnolia doesn’t leaf out until after Memorial Day so be patient when they still look like the last rose of summer in late May.  Many other plants, especially evergreens, may show leaf discoloration, including boxwood and holly.