Question
Hey Nick -
Like many others here, I have quite a few banana trees in my backyard garden that I would LIKE to keep in-ground if possible, over our North Texas winter.  I plan to dig up and make dormant many of the smaller pups, but as far as the larger corms, I'd like to try the method that will give me the best jumpstart to the '11 growing season. Would you recommend leaving intact and trimming, allowing them to freeze through to ground level, or cut down/back BEFORE the first freeze, coming somewhat soon I'm guessing, as we've just had our first 2 mild frosts..
Also, would you recommend I completely dig up and bring in all of my Hibiscus plants ?
Thanks !
Tim

Answer
Tim, if the ground doesn't freeze, then you can allow it to freeze back to ground level, then mulch heavily over it to protect the Corm, and new growth should commence in the Spring. I wouldn't cut them back before a freeze though, or you will just encourage new growth to emerge from the center of the pseudostem at the point it was cut.  As the leaves get melted from the frost, cut them off, but leave any that are healthy until they too become compromised. The Hibiscus can be potted up if they are small enough, but if not, they too can be protected with a wrapping of frost fabric.