The dwarf Pentas I have suffered greatly with the last cold spell. They were watered and covered (they are planted along with sedum in insulated plant containers) but the garden covers I used evidently were of poor quality. When I uncovered them, there was frost on the Pentas inside.
Up until now, they were glorious and in full flower. Now, I would say the crowns are 90% damaged.
For those of you who have been here longer than I, can you advise me what to do now?
I don't know how long these plants are viable under good conditions. Do you keep them for more than a year, typically? I am thinking they are perennials here, but does that mean everlasting, for many years?
My thought now is to leave them as is (crinkly tops, but still alive) until the last frost date, to provide extra protection for what's left underneath, then groom the dead parts once it is safe to do so and see if what's left will regenerate. Is there a better way, or should I yank them and fageddaboudit?
What is your experience?
I have now purchased better quality covers, I hope. Got Planketts brand yesterday. Thanks for any suggestions you may offer for these little 'butterfly magnets'!