Heliconia champneiana cold hardiness.

[clinton9]

Hi members,

I have question: Can heliconia champneiana grow in zone 9 ???

My place is on latitude 37oS, in Thames, New Zealand.

At my place the average winter temperature: 8 oC and average lowest winter temperature: 3 oC, but had went below 0 oC, to -1 oC for 1-3 nights during June to July. 10 frosts a year and frost season: 10th June to 10th August. June to August are coldest wettest months, with June have 15 wet days and 3 frosts, July have 16 wet days and 4 frosts, August have 15 wet days and 2 frosts.

I think my place is in zone 9b ?

I need feedbacks about heliconia champneiana growing in zone 9.

Help would be appreciated.

Clinton.

[Tropicgardener]

Only one way to find out Clinton, trial it and see how it goes for you Heliconia champneiana is a reasonably cool tolerant Heliconia, I think some people have had success in Sydney with it but I don't consider it to be one of the truly cold tolerant species..............Of concern for me would be the amount of wet days you receive in winter. Wet and cold and Heliconias generally doesn't mix.

[Pedro 65]

Origin

Guatemala, Belize, Hondura

Temperature

5 degrees

Max Size

4 meters

Well drained rich soil. Full sun to partshade.

summer

From El Arish Botanicals, and its not on the "will grow" in Brisbane, so no chances in NZ

[Tropicgardener]

It definitely will grow and flower in Brisbane as I grew 'Splash', 'Maya Gold' and 'Maya Blood' down there around 20 years ago.........but yes I think NZ would be doubtful, the cold, wet winters would most likely be its demise.

[clinton9]

Andrew,

Thankyou, but I am not planting them until next year springtime, as I don't have them and I am yet to order the seeds of h.champneiana.

When I grow them, they will be in about 60% pumice and 40% compost, near the fence, in sunny spot, under the tree, out of frost's way.

I will be plant them to test via drainage & location.

Edited June 28, 2015 by clinton9