I posted this on the Carolina forum but thought I'd try here where there may be some tropicals lover who may be able to help.
I have a Dracaena deremensis ("lemon lime") that had outgrown its pot so, on a whim, I planted it outside in light shade last spring. It has been pretty happy there and is about 24" tall. I'm wondering if anyone in the Carolinas or anywhere in Zone 8 has tried overwintering one out doors? Conventional wisdom appears to be "no way", but there are always exceptions to the CW. I hope so, anyway. If anyone has had one survive winter outside, how did you do it? (No laughing. ;> I'm gonna have to dig it up, right?)
Deb
Can Dracaena Deremensis survive z8 winter?
If you've found a micro-climate for it and can protect it against freezing wind and rain, you're good. You might want to have a make-shift wire-mesh to put over it during a "deep-freeze" with a bit of burlap and plastic. Christmas lights work wonders in keeping the temp slightly above zero. I had a Schefflera arboricola 'Variegata' someone left in the back of my truck, I guess 'cause I spraypainted the truck with leaves and they thought I'd take care of it. I left it under a cedar tree all last summer and it rooted out of the pot. I left it over winter and I think, because of the protection of the cedar tree, it did fine. I planted it this spring and expect it to do just fine. In my climate with Dracaena-like plants, it's not the temps as much as when rain gets into the centre of the leaves and freezes the growing point.
Hmmm! I'm encouraged by your reply. It's under a pine tree & I could certainly manage to further protect if from icy rain. Thanks!
I agree with growin, if it is in a protected spot with some tree canopy and you can cover it on those few freezing nights; you should be fine.
I've had cordylines out for a few years now and they have done well. One year they were frosted but they came back from the roots. Good luck with it.
alice