They may range from one-half to 3 inches in length. After some drying of the injured tissue occurs, the bark begins to flare open at the edges of each crack, exposing naked wood underneath. Damage will be most evident on the East and South sides of branches where the sun strikes the bark following a freezing cold night. Branches will usually die above the point of the lowest frost crack, with live branch tissue found at some point below. When removing dead branches, be certain to cut a few inches below the damaged area where healthy tissue is found.
Recovery is normally rapid once cuts are made.
Add mulch to the surface of beds in order to maintain a 2 to 3 inch layer on the soil surface beneath plants. Use coarse, undecomposed organic materials such as pine needles or bark. Any necessary pruning should be done after the flowering season is over, and before mid-June. Irrigation is necessary for optimum growth and flowering . During extended dry periods water thoroughly once each week.