Information on the culture of this plant, in particular hardiness, seems sketchy. It is apparently a summer grower, but does it tolerate our wet winters. Seems somewhat tender, but how tender? are there hardier clones? Cheers Brian Hutchings, Saltspring Island
Albuca shawii is a relative newcomer to the local scene, but is hardy here. It grows throughout a wide area of South Africa in rocky grassland, from the NE Cape through Lesotho and east into Natal, up to 2400 metres. This translates (depending on the clone), to a N. American winter minimum of Zone 7b. As for our winter-wet conditions, planting with appropriate drainage is should be sufficient to assure success here. As far as I know, there are no other clones grown locally at this time. Brent A. Hine Curator E.H. Lohbrunner Alpine Garden
