Question
QUESTION: Hi Edward,
I have a few Caribbean Copper Plants in Los Angeles, and we had a particularly cold (freezing) winter this year.  They are deciduous, but the leaves don't seem to be coming back now.  Could they have died in the freeze?  I thought that's what the whole deciduous thing was about! (Namely, protecting itself from the freeze.)  In past years, they've always thrived in the spring no matter what. Is it totally dead, or should I cut it to the ground . . . or abandon it?
Thanks for your time!
Stan
ANSWER: Stan,

The copper plant is a succulent, which means that it is better suited for areas where the temperature does not drop below 50 degrees. Deciduous only means falling off, and it does not in any way guarantee frost injury protection. There are many deciduous trees that are native to the Northeast (Oaks, Maples, Black Locust) that routinely suffer from winter injury if there is a sudden spring freeze.

In the case of your Copper plant, I would recommend fertilization to help encourage new growth and to protect them better in the future from freezing.

Good luck,
Ed Gulliksen

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your response, Ed.  One more question. You say fertilize to encourage growth, but I'm wondering if it's dead.  I always trim it back and leave some branches, then wait for leaves to sprout.  How can I tell if it's dead or even revivable?  Should I cut it down to the soil level?  
Stan

Answer
Stan,

If you haven't noticed new growth by now, I would say that the plant is probably dead. You can check by using your fingernail against the trunk and peeling a small section of bark away. If you see green under the bark, then there is still life in the plant, if not- then it is dead and should be replaced.

Good luck,
Ed Gulliksen