2010/2011 Update!

After the horrendous winter of 2010/2011 the worst winter we have experienced in over 30 years we had quite a few losses but also some interesting examples of plants that shrugged off -15 degrees centigrade. Plants we can truely call fully hardy despite there reputation of being labelled semi hardy.

These are the survivors from the previous winners below from 2009/2010;

Acacia dealbata (died to ground level resprouted from base), Agapanthus sp, Ariseama tortuosum, Arundo donax variegata, Begonia grandis, Bletilla striata, Cautleya spicata robusta, Cordyline australis(died to ground level resprouted from base), Crinum xpowellii was in a very sheltered spot, Dranunculus vulgaris, Eucomis autumnalis, Eucomis bicolor, Eucomis comosa ‘Sparkling Burgundy’ a large clump was reduced to about half from the extensive cold, Eriobotrya japonica untouched!, Eryngium padanifolium(died to ground level resprouted from base), Fasicularia bicolour, Galtonia candicans, Grevilla Canberra Gem, Gunnera manicata(died to ground level resprouted from base), Iris confusa, Musa basjoo(died to ground level resprouted from base), Nerine bowdennii fine but hybrids such ‘codora’ all died, Olea europa lost leaves but resprouted, Phormium sp(died to ground level resprouted from base), Pseudopanax crassufolia, Roscoea purpurea, Trachycarpus fortunei, Trachycarpus wagnerianus, Vebena bonariensis, Yucca glorosa variegata.

Plants that died in 2010/2011 winter

Acacia pravissima,Aloe stratula, Aloe aristata ,Astelia ‘Silver spear’, Callistemon rigidus, Callistemon citrinus splendens, Callistemon pallidus, Chamaerops humlis, Chamaerops humulis var cerifera, Coronilla valentine, Hesperaloe parvifolia (small plant outside seedling in cold greenhouse came through fine),Hedychium sp, Euphorbia melifera, Leonotis leonorus, Leptospermum s, Lobelia bridgesii, Lobelia tupa, Lomatia ferrugina, Melianthus major, Sophora Sun King, Tetrapanax papyrifer Rex.

In conclusion I believe that many of the plants that survived for me on our heavy clay in Nottingham are in my mind are as hardy as any of the old cottage garden favorites we call fully hardy. I also believe that alot of the plants that died this winter would have survived on a more free draining site. Non of the plants in the lists recieved any additional protection as frankily I find it dreadful to look at during the winter months. After growing 17 different species of palms over 10 different genera the only plants that have survived and thrived without protection are palms from the Trachycarpus genus. Obviously in inner Cities and Coastal areas where average temperatures are much milder you will have greater success with of the plants that failed for me.

All inputs are welcome let me know your successes and failures.

2009/2010 Winter

Last winter was the coldest winter we have had for some 30 years.  I would like compile a list with the help of other enthusiasts of exotic plants that are considered to be semi-hardy or tender plants that pulled through and the failures of last year’s winter without protection. Hopefully together we can dispel some myths about these plants concerning whether they are or aren’t  hardy, and share information to help give other enthusiasts in the colder districts a better idea of what they can  grow outdoors. 

The Winners that pulled through trouble free.

Here at plant Revelations we had some real pleasant surprises,  all of the following were planted unprotected please assume no winter damage unless stated.

Acacia pravissima, Acacia dealbata, Agapanthus sp, Aloe stratula (frosted to ground level resprouted), Aloe aristata ( some frost damage), Ariseama tortuosum, Arundo donax variegata,  Astelia ‘Silver spear’, Begonia grandis, Bletilla striata, Cautleya spicata robusta, Callistemon rigidus, Callistemon citrinus splendens, Callistemon pallidus,  Chamaerops humlis, Chamaerops humulis var cerifera (some frost damage), Cordyline australis,  Coronilla valentine,  Crinum xpowellii,  Dranunculus vulgaris,  Eucomis autumnalis, Eucomis bicolor, Eucomis comosa ‘Sparkling Burgundy’,  Eriobotrya japonica, Eryngium padanifolium, Fasicularia bicolour, Galtonia candicans, Hesperaloe parvifolia, Hedychium sp, Euphorbia melifera, Grevilla Canberra Gem,  Gunnera manicata, Iris confusa, Leonotis leonorus, Leptospermum s, Lobelia bridgesii,  Lobelia tupa, Lomatia ferrugina, Melianthus major, Musa basjoo,  Nerine bowdennii, Olea europa, Phormium sp,  Pseudopanax crassufolia, Roscoea purpurea, Sophora Sun King,  Tetrapanax papyrifer Rex,  Trachycarpus fortunei, Trachycarpus wagnerianus, Vebena bonariensis, Yucca glorosa variegata.

The Losers

We also had some gutting losses and some of these plants we find hardy most winters but this one was just too much. All the palms were seedlings so this maybe a factor.

Acacia baileyana ‘Purpurea’,  Agave Americana (large plant grown for outside for 4 years), Agave filfera,  Agave Victoria regina,  Aloe brevifolia, Aloe arborecens, Aloe polyphylla, Aloe maculata, Butia capitata, Butia eriospatha, Canna varieties, Canna erhmanni irridifolia,  Chamaedorea radicalis, Clianthus puniceus Roseus, Dahlia sp,  Erythrina crista-galli, Echium wildpretti, Echium pinnana, Jubaea chilensis, Opuntia robusta, Opuntia pheacantha,  Puya berteronia, Puya alpestris, Puya chilensis, Solanium salicafolia, Wasghingtonia filfera (This was a small plant)

Please feel free to add your winners and losers and discuss.