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A semi-hardy croton ? https://growingontheedge.net/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=10666 |
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Author: | Pierre [ Sun Dec 17, 2017 9:22 am ] |
Post subject: | A semi-hardy croton ? |
Usually reports of crotons in gardens come from South Floridan or Californian courtyards. Mine is from a large garden away from urban area in zone 9B (where Citrus can grow but not Hibiscus rosasinensis). So it doesn't take advantage of urban heating. This experience was built up from a mistake : I forgot sheltering my croton in the end of November as I used to do. I was aware of that last 13th December, looking through the window after our first cold night, down to minus2°C, I was affraid seeing we forgot getting in our MRS Iceton Croton, "It's probably dropping every leaves" I said to my wife. "Don't worry we didn't shelter it last Winter and it took our minus 5°C without any harm". She was right, we forgot it and it stood that perfectly, a single night down to minus5°C. Although it stands in our best microclimate protected from cold winds and overhang by an Arenga engleri palmtree and a large Plumbago capensis, I thought it was interesting telling, because acurate reports about croton hardiness in Europe aren't a lot. Here is the plant today 4 days later. |
Author: | julrodmes [ Sun Dec 17, 2017 1:05 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: A semi-hardy croton ? |
Bon jour: Very good achievement there! Is it in pot or in the ground? It looks like a Mrs. Iceton croton. I´ve tried all kinds of crotons in my best place here, but no luck so far. Even in my best winters with no freezing temperatures. Keep us updated, please!. I´m very interested! |
Author: | Stan [ Sun Dec 17, 2017 9:28 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: A semi-hardy croton ? |
Looks like Mrs Iceton to me too. I saw one- before I read about it at home later- not knowing it was a semi hardy Croton. "Stoplight" is the other. I think I can try in spring- get two or three to fill a large pot. I've tried Mammy and Petra. Mammy did well over one winter and two summers. Last years record rains and lack of sun..just melted it when we had the same temps it survived the previous average winter. Petra is fantastic..but its one that cant take much cold- no frost at all. Cool? Yes..it did one winter also..but died back a lot and the next winter it folded up. So,if you get a Mammy at a good price..worth a try. Stoplight and Mrs Iecton along with the Croton that has tri lobed leaves..is another that takes a soucal winter easy. Something to try in the bay area. |
Author: | Pierre [ Mon Dec 18, 2017 5:58 am ] |
Post subject: | Re: A semi-hardy croton ? |
Thanks a lot for the replies. I'm going to separate plants from their container (Yes Julio, they grow in a pot, and I didn't insulate the bottom of it) and try different microclimates. I know my report is not usual, this plant is quite "On the edge"there ; I agree with MRS Iceton croton. "Semi-hardy"is my way of telling of an unexpected success away from hard freezes. But I purchased this croton, because I heard it stood more cool conditions than others. Daves'Garden was almost the only source for information, it separates most crotons for Zone 10 and upper and about 6 crotons for zone (9) and zone 9B including those Stan mentioned but also 'General Paget','Banana', 'Mona Lisa'. Although californian or Floridan zone 9 is rather different from ours because of the latitude in Europe : when we get a freeze there, in most occasions, the temperature rises above 0°C next morning but rather slowly and not above +10C. So our plants must withstand freezes (often 2 or more in a row) and cool temperatures. I think this plants thrives because it is an old one with hard wood, but this cultivar has some cold-hardiness and didn't drop leaves. I'm going to inquire about Stoplight and Mammy, but crotons are only sold by big nurseries with no competent staff, or... planting outside something breeded for indoor purposes makes them crazy. |
Author: | Waykoolplantz [ Wed Dec 20, 2017 8:36 am ] |
Post subject: | Re: A semi-hardy croton ? |
10b here with nearly 300 croton varieties and most were decimated by our unusual 35F a few years ago. I'll check with my croton master to guide you to some of the more cold hardy ...and check with my crotii friends as well. |
Author: | Stan [ Thu Dec 28, 2017 11:14 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: A semi-hardy croton ? |
Waykool..post some hardy's. Also, are any of the real novelty Crotons- like with very narrow leafs have any hardy types? Well,Hardy for z 9b + |
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