Re: Philodendron selloum (non-aroid temperate alternatives)

From: Dean Sliger deanslgr at juno.com> on 2001.12.13 at 19:18:19(7907) On Thu, 13 Dec 2001 09:44:53 -0600 (CST) StellrJ@aol.com writes: > But isn't Gunnera also tropical? Those others should work, though; > Petasites is native along the US Pacific Coast, Rheum (i.e., > rhubarb) is from the Himalayas. Without looking it up, I think subtropical would be more correct for Gunnera. They're more from higher altitude regions rather than the lowland tropics. The miniature Gunnera magellanica is winter-hardy here in Zone 6B (Detroit area) without protection. The larger species are winter-hardy in this area with protection (though not in my space-prohibitive yard!). With the miniature species, at least, protecting it from winter desiccation is a major factor in survival. I've noticed with many species winter-hardiness is a matter of soil moisture -- too much or too little, depending on the species -- rather than temperature. Dean Sliger +More Warren, MI, USA Zone 6B

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