Warmer-than-average winter weather occurs periodically. Often plants respond with swelling buds, renewed growth, and seemingly early flowering. While such growth may predispose plants to subsequent cold weather damage, plants usually have internal mechanisms to ensure they survive unseasonable weather. If buds are expanded or flowers open during severely cold weather, damage may occur. Following damage, the plant usually has other buds in reserve that will begin growth when conditions are again favorable for growth. Later in the spring, any damaged growth may be removed by pruning.

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