I would like some input on growing plants which are out of zone to our area. I realize that there are many microclimates within our zone where we can grow plants that may be borderline or tender but generally speaking should plants that are say zone 8 or 9 (canadian zoning) be recommended for zone 6b or 7 for Southern tip of Vancouver Island. I have a list of suspect plants which I would like anyone to comment on if they have had any experience with them in this area. Ugani molinae Euonymous f. Kewensis Drimy's lanceolata Viburnum propinquum Holboella coriacea Viburnum kansuensc and lastly something that I would only ever have thaught as an annual and which would never overwinter even in the most protected of spots Salvia farinacea Thanks to anyone who might be able to shed some light on this topic. Jan
Ugni molinae (note spelling!) is a bit marginal where I am (55°N lat), gets cut back a bit in cold winters, but not killed (yet). Drimys lanceolata (no apostrophe!!) is hardy in southern England at least: http://www.nccpg.com/gloucestershire/plantweek49.html so should also succeed with you.
The euonymus is quite hardy, the other shrubs are grown in Seattle for fairly long intervals so will live some time with you also. Since most in your list are species rather than clonal cultivars (garden hybrids) individual specimens will vary in longevity due to genetic variations and effect of provenance on cold hardiness, any of them except the 'Kewensis' could be seed-raised or new collections from different locations than long-established or at least previously circulated forms. If you don't know the species name for the viburnum is spelled kansuense, after Kansu Province in China. Maybe you hit "c" by mistake.
Thank you for the reply and spelling corrections. I did suspect that the Euonymus would not be much of an issue as I have found the family to be very tough. The others especially the Ugni molinae and the Drimys lanceolata I was sure would be killed quickly back after the first severe frost. I have lately changed employment from a large garden centre/ nursery to a smaller establishment. The plants I listed were some that I was unfamiliar with and zoned 8 and 9 Canadian, zone 9 USDA for the Holboellia coriacea. I want to be able to confidently recomend these plant to my customers but have to be sure myself. Any more comments???? Jan
re:out of zone plants I live in Victoria, BC in the Rockland area. I think my property has a microclimate of Zone 8a, and 8b in areas sheltered from wind. For the last 5 years I have successfully grown Holboellia coriacea in a pot on my west-facing deck, which is sheltered from wind. The pot is approx 45cm in diameter, and 1 meter tall, but tapers to a very narrow base. The pot and vine are in an area of open shade most of the day.The vine is doing very well, with nice healthy green foliage, but very little bloom. I prune it to keep it within an area about three by one meters. In the winter of 06/07 many of the leaves got frost-burned; trimming it has resulted in abundant new growth. I love the vine, and plan to try one in the ground in a slightly more exposed position. Well worth taking a chance on this one!
