I live in Southern Calif., and am wondering if you can leave epis out all winter here? I have one big one that I have left out in the past years, but are all the varieties hardy that way?
I see by some of the pics that Clare has a bunch of big ones out by the ponds. Do you leave those out there all year? Just wondering as I am just starting to acquire a few of these plants and don't want to get more than I can deal with when the temps start to drop. Thanks
Marcy
Location and leaving Epis out
Hi Marcy, yes, they all stay out all year long, but I'm in Zone 10 where it rarely drops below 40 during the winter. I think we had some temps in the mid 30's the winter before last. I think they are fine outdoors in Zone 10, and they can be fine in Zone 9 if protected somewhat like under the overhang against the house, etc. I think Long Beach is Zone 10, isn't it? Here in California, we have a wide range of zones so you just have to figure out what zone your are in. I think you are in Zone 10.
Yes, I'm in 10, so I guess I can get more then. :-D
This could be trouble for my budget. ha ha
Marcy
I have some Epis, too! I leave out for all year around and I 'm in Zone 8, 9 and 10 also it drops to 30's in winter time.
I do get some frost and I have a couple out under an elm tree that of course is bare in the winter. I have not noticed any frost damage. It does get down to 28 or so at my place. There will be heavy frost on roofs and occasionally on the grass.
Hi Marcy -
Here in my version of 10a we've not had frost for the last 7 years, winter lows of 37-39F, and of course monsoon rains. Mine stay out all year round, spending the winter months in a sheltered corner on a non-covered patio to keep them out of our fierce winds. I bait for snails all winter long, have the pots on iron stands so they can drain well, and begin feeding them in Feb - March depending on how soon it starts to warm up.
My Epis live on the front porch year-round, and we normally dip to the low 30's, and even lower for short periods. They are happy little (big) clams out there.
K