How To Know Your Perennials Didn’t Survive The Winter

As you survey the damage in your yard left by the winter, you may notice a few plants that look worse than they normally do. While many perennials can survive even the toughest winter, it doesn’t guarantee they will come back to life every spring. If some of your plants look bleak and lifeless in the early spring, you’ll want to look for signs to determine if they are dead or alive.

Mold growth, spongy branches, and loose roots are some of the most common signs your perennials didn’t survive the winter. Discoloration, brittle branches, and a shrunken or shriveled appearance are also evidence that a perennial won’t come back to life. To check if your perennials are alive, scratch the bark and check the color underneath, pull the plant to test root strength, and perform the snap test on branches.

Perennials are an investment. Each time you buy one of these resilient plants, you hope it will last decades. But just like all living things, perennials don’t last forever. If you notice some of your plants looking worse for wear this spring, you should investigate further. Keep reading to find out whether your perennials survived the winter or succumbed to the elements.

Nine Signs Your Perennials Didn’t Survive The Winter

1. Soft And Spongy Branches

Plant branches and trunks should be hard and resilient. If you are pruning your plant and notice the normally stiff plant is soft and spongy, it may have died. If a plant turns soft, it has likely begun to decay and may have lost its water pressure. If only some external branches feel soft, you can properly prune the plant. Leave the plant's firm base intact. Wait a few additional weeks for signs of growth. If you don’t notice any new growth by the end of the spring, then it’s probably dead.

2. Mold And Fungus Growth

Mold and fungus can grow on nearly any plant, but they thrive on dead and decaying perennials. If the only new growth on your perennial is mold, there is a good chance the plant has died. Mold can start growing on dead plants as soon as temperatures warm up. If your plant is covered in mold in the spring, it’s likely already decaying. You should remove the plant promptly, as mold can spread to nearby healthy plants.

3. No Signs Of New Life

One of the most noticeable indications that your perennial has died over the winter is if there is no new growth in the spring. While some plants stay dormant longer than others, they should all eventually “wake up” in the spring. If all your other plants are sprouting new leaves and branches, then the plant that doesn't could be dead. Before you remove it, check for other signs that it's dead.

4. Discoloration

When a plant dies, its colors change over time. A once beige plant may turn dark and dull. If your plant had green branches that are now brown or muted, there’s a chance it has died. Ensure the entire plant is discolored before removing it. In some cases, outer branches may perish, but the rest of the perennial might be perfectly healthy. 

5. Weak Roots

When a plant dies, its roots eventually die, too. The roots keep it firmly in place, especially once it’s established. If you notice the entire plant lifts with a simple tug at a branch, it's a sign the roots have weakened. While some plants never establish deep and strong roots, most perennials are firmly held into the ground. If the plant lifts easily out of the ground, inspect the roots for further signs of decay.

6. Brittle Branches That Snap Easily

Branches should be flexible and able to move and bend with the wind and weight. If all the branches on your perennial snap easily, it usually signals that are completely dead and dried out. Remove all dead branches and monitor the plant. If you don’t notice any new growth, then it might be time to give up on the plant. 

7. A Shriveled Or Shrinking Appearance

As spring progresses, all your perennials should grow in size. If you notice some plants are not growing and are shrinking and shriveling, there’s a strong possibility they have died. Once this happens, they slowly release water, resulting in a shrunken, shriveled appearance. Keep in mind, however, that some living perennials take on a shriveled appearance in dormancy, especially in dry climates.

8. Cracked Bark 

Cracked bark is never a good sign for a perennial. Bark is like a shield that keeps pests and disease out, and nutrients in. If you see the bark is cracked or peeling, there is something seriously wrong with your plant. If you notice decay inside the cracks, then your plant is either dead or in serious need of help.

9. No Sign Of Green Under The Bark

Sometimes, the best way to check if a plant is still alive is to check underneath the bark, since it might not always show signs of deterioration. If you scratch the bark and see green, the plant is still living. If, however, you see nothing but white and a lack of moisture and varied color, then the plant (or at least that section of the plant) is likely dead.

Five Ways To Check If Your Perennial Is Dead

1. Scrape The Bark And Check Color

One of the best tests to see if your perennials are dead or in danger is to take a quick peek under the bark. A healthy plant should have some green color and will exhibit moisture. If the plant is dry, bitter, and brown or white, then it’s likely dead. Perform this test near the trunk of the plant, as exterior branches might be dead while the center of the perennial is still healthy.

2. Tug At The Plant To Check Root Strength

Another easy way to test whether your perennials look unhealthy is to give them a firm tug. If the plant stays firmly in place, it’s likely still alive. If, you can pull the entire plant out with one yank, there’s a good chance it is dead.

3. Squeeze Larger Branches

Since soft and spongy branches are a sign of rot and death, squeeze your plant. A plant can look healthy, but if it isn’t growing new leaves and has soft branches, there’s a good chance it’s decaying. Trim any soft section of the plant, and if you don’t notice any new growth, then the plant is probably not alive.

4. Remove Dead Sections And Wait For Growth

Sometimes plants struggle because they need pruning. Before you completely give up on a perennial, trim all the branches that seem dead. Water and care for the perennial, and wait several weeks. By the time spring comes to a close and there is no new growth after you’ve trimmed dead sections, there’s a strong possibility the plant won’t thrive again.

5. Perform The Bend Test

Perennials are resilient, and so are their branches. Once spring is in full swing, try bending some of the larger branches on any perennial you think might be dead. If the branch bends without snapping, then the plant is likely healthy. If the branches snap easily, there’s a strong possibility the plant is either dead or struggling.

Final Thoughts On Signs Your Perennial Didn’t Survive Winter

Perennials can last for generations, and sometimes longer than humans. While many of these plants are impressively resilient, they don’t last forever. Winter can take a toll on these plants, and you may notice some of your perennials looking sad and lifeless come spring.

Signs that your perennial is dead include mold growth, soft and spongy branches, and cracked bark. Weak roots, branches that snap easily, and shriveled and shrinking plants are all signs your perennial might be dead.

Related Guides:

• How To Stop Perennials From Spreading
• How To Make Sure Perennials Come Back
• Herbs And Vegetables That Return To Your Garden Every Year