P Clivia (Kaffir Lily) in zone 8a

I just came home with 3 Kaffir lilies that, according to the tag info, are cold hardy to zone 8. However, according to Davesgarden plantfiles, these lilies are only cold hardy to zone 9b. I don't want or need another indoor plant. They were grown by Carolina Nurseries in Moncks Corner, SC. Anybody out there successfully growing this plant in ground year round?

I returned the kaffir lilies this morning. They are definitely not cold hardy in zone 8a or 8b. I will call Carolina Nurseries in Moncks Corner Monday morning to let them know that labeling zone 9b tropicals for zone 8 is a very poor business practice. I have learned the hard way not to trust plant tag info regarding cold hardiness. Thank goodness for Davesgarden!

I grow mine outside and I am borderline 8b/9a. This winter I was closer to 8b and they did fine outside in pots.

In this morning's Charleston newspaper there was an article about Carolina Nurseries being in financial trouble. That would be a blow to all of us if they go under. It is a huge operation and not only do they employ hundreds of people, they supply just about all our retail nurseries in the Carolinas.

Thanks Ardesia, I've bought dozens of plants from Carolina Nurseries, and I've always been happy with their quality. I would hate for them to go out of business. I wonder if Kaffir lilies prefer the tight confines of a pot, or do they grow well in ground,too? I would think if I grow them in ground and mulch over winter, they might work for me after all. Ofcourse, ground voles would probably get to them in ground without protection. I sure would love to hear from a zone 8a gardener if they're viable in my backyard. Thanks, again, Ardesia. You always have good advice.

This message was edited Apr 25, 2010 9:08 AM

mine are in pots then put in greenhouse heated with propane but one was in garage this year and did ok.


does carolina do mail order?

I don't think so, they are just a huge wholesale operation.

I was out of town for a few days and still haven't heard from carolina nurseries. I will try to contact them next week, but I'm beginning to think kaffir lilies may be able to survive here in zone 8a if they are large , vigorous bulbs planted early in spring and heavily mulched before winter. I've bought many plants distributed by carolina nurseries, and the tag info has always been accurate. Thanks for all the help.

Just spoke with someone at Carolina Nurseries who assured me that kaffir lilies are cold hardy in zone 8a. Hope Simpson's Ace Hardware still has some in stock.

Where is Simpsons Ace hardware located? I want to grow some kaffir lilies, especially if they can be planted in the ground.

Hi Debbie, Simpson's Ace Hardware is located in Sumter on W. Wesmark Blvd near the Broad St intersection. I'd recommend calling your local Ace Hardware. If that fails, I'd call Carolina Nurseries in Moncks Corner and ask about vendors in your area who buy from them. I bought one yellow and one orange lily. Good luck.