New growth in winter is usually bad (after a freeze) if it is on a higher zone specimen. For example, new winter growth on Loquat foliage in Vancouver may result in burn if outflow occurs. For that type of tree, cold burn can be recovered easily. For some other things, especially of higher zone, the new growth tips suffer permanent damage. Calgary is strange in the way that it gets warm and trees leaf out before a solid minus 5C nukes foliage cold. Tough trees, particularly native can take such abuse.

I notice the reverse in Victoria, BC as opposed to northern Ontario. As in things being nuked by summer -drought or heat to moderate climate plants. In Ontario, winter is usually the deciding factor on life or death. What's good about trees that can shut down is the fact that they are less prone to parasites. Once attacked, some trees on Vancouver Island may not get relief from a winter reset.

Here's something that did not go semi-dormant as it should by probability in Victoria. Some things never really "slept" and it is obvious that some things are growing. Prunus and crocuses are early.

Here is a link that might be useful: Winter growth in Victoria, BC

Tender foliage of a banana cane live in winter. Canes should be semi-dormant with a "live" core but rather defoliated. Spurts of growth have occured this winter. March would be a more normal time for awakening a hardy banana cane north of California.

Here is a link that might be useful: More obvious on a banana cane