• Herbaceous perennials and some semi-woody plants that are native to areas further south generally lose their top growth to freeze damage and probably need it removed every year. Examples include:
• Gayfeather
• River Fern
• Indigo Spires
• Plumbago
• Fall Obedient Plan
• Pride of Barbados
• Ruellia
• Mexican Bush Sage    
   
• Semi-evergreen and semi-woody perennials are the most confusing because some years they die back and some years they don’t. If it gets cold enough to cause freeze damage, cut them back at least far enough to find some green. They can be cut back further if desired but be sure to leave at least 4-5” of the base of the plant. Examples include:
• Lantanas
• Texas Betony
• Mexican Oregano
• Yellow Bells
• some Verbenas
   
• Evergreen perennials are not affected by our average cold temperatures.  If anything, these plants just need a little shaping and unsightly vegetation removed. Examples include:         
• Calylophous
• Cast Iron Plant
• Blackfoot Daisy
• Four Nerve Daisy
• Bearded  Iris 
• Bicolor Iris
• Rock Penstemon 
• Yarrow

For more information on specific species, check the Grow Green Native and Adapted Landscape Plants booklet available on-line at www.growgreen.org or free at most local nurseries and home improvement centers. Since it is a slow time of year, nursery staff are more readily available to answer specific plant questions. Or, you may call the Texas Cooperative Extension Service at 854-9600.