Question
Hi Melissa,
We had a few very very cold nights here in Central Florida this week. My hibiscus,lantana and ixora took quite a beating. Should I leave them alone or cut them back? If so how far should I cut back?

                 Thanks in Advance
                    Uncle Don

Answer
Dear Uncle Don, Yes, they should be cut back, but personally I think that it would be best to wait until after the cold snap is over, and you could wait until the weather starts to warn up.  I haven't seen a hard and fast rule about when to cut back freeze damage, although there probably is one.  Cut the plants back when it is convenient for you, and cut them back below the freeze damage, and above the leaf nodes (the bumpy places on the stems).  If you anticipate more cold weather, you could cut them back now and try to protect them somewhat by mulching during freezes.  Good luck.  Melissa