Cold Hardy Tropicals

I would like to see this forum added.I have spoken to administration at DG via D mail.If there is a enough support and interest we could get this added.Please show your support by adding your comment to this thread.Thank you,Edge

Well...technically speaking there is no such thing as a cold hardy tropical...either it's hardy or it's tropical. Could you maybe clarify what exactly you're wanting to have the forum about? Do you mean a forum about things that look tropical but aren't (like the hardy bananas), or do you mean trying to grow tropicals in cold climates? We already have the Tropical Plants forum where there are plenty of people growing tropicals in colder climates so if that's what you're looking for then I don't think it needs a separate forum.

Ecrane,Yes like hardy bannanas,palms,cacti.Also tropical looking plants.Tips and techniques.It would be for us zone pushers.For zones 4,5 and 6.Not for you obviously.If you are not interested,thats fine.But could I see if there is any interest.Thanks,Edge

You might be surprised to hear that I can't grow tropicals here either unless I put them in the greenhouse for the winter...we get way too many frosty nights :-) All I was trying to do was clarify what you wanted the forum to be about, figured that might help people understand if they'd be interested or not.

There's quite a few hardy plants from sub tropical areas like Arizona, cacti etc, perhaps making a forum for tropical and sub tropical plants would be a good idea? There is quite an interest in hardy cacti in particular. As far as I know plants from tropical/frost free areas tend not to have any real resistance to freezing conditions.
Dave

I had no problem understanding Edge--I would support such a forum

I would believe a forum like this could be very useful. People up north growing tropicals that survive out all winter have much different topics such as which plants survive as well as how the plants are protected and cared for rather than in tropical zones. Their seems to be a nice group of northern growers interested in the topic and from what I have seen this trend is growing. I would highly suggest and support a board with this topic.

Interesting. I would for sure support this! New to this area, although it is zone 7, still, there are aspects of zone pushing that are useful for anyone to learn about and I would never think of "tropicals" as something I could grow, but even just reading this far I see the sense of it!

It would be fun too, the apparent contradiction of the title. ;-)

We have a forum for tropical plants (it doesn't matter where you grow them--they're still tropicals, meaning they are not cold-hardy ;o): http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/f/tropicals/all/

And a separate forum for tropical zone gardening (for those who are actually located and gardening in the tropics): http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/f/tropics/all/

edge, I support your efforts to try and get a new forum added. For what it's worth, this discussion came up last year and it might be helpful to browse:
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/816323/

I do think that since there's a separate forum for people growing tropicals that actually live in the tropics it would be logical to have a forum for growing tropicals/exotic plants in temperate climates. There are lots of posts on all the tropical plant threads regarding growing in cooler climates but I realize there has to be a great deal of support to create a new forum.

it's a great idea, good luck ;)

"There are lots of posts on all the tropical plant threads regarding growing in cooler climates"

Exactly! Why add another forum to confuse matters even more??

I'm not voting one way or the other, just a comment that I emptied the greenhouse and planted out on March 23rd. I am in zone 8a. We had a terrible weekend, two nights at 36-37 and daytime mid 40's. I didn't bring anything in nor did I cover anything. Forgot to say I have at least a 100 Tropical plants. Cannot believe not a one is even brown.

Good to know!

I think a forum such as this would be a good learning tool.

Rachel

This is a TERRIFIC idea - hope Dave adds it!!!

I like the idea very much. I would think a Zone Pushers forum would work, not only for just Tropicals or cacti, but what about those plants that grow in a cooler climes such as that elusive blue poppy that doesn't like our summer heat. There are a lot of different plants that grow great in other regions and now here. Some of you southerners can't grow some of the common plants that are native to zones 6 and lower.
A new forum could work both ways.

I agree. Frankly, I am not likely at all to visit the existing Tropicals forum because most of what is there is probably not of any use to me -- and there is already much to learn and read. The Cold Climate forum is a nice bunch of folks but again, only peripherally related in gardening info to what I deal with.

Would like to encourage everyone to visit the Tropical Zone Gardening and Tropical Plants. I live in the heart of Central Texas and everyone has helped me immensely in my addiction to tropicals.

Agree with Robyn, Zone Pushers, could be a lot things.

Vote FOR

Christi

I had no problem understanding you either edgeoftheworld. I think you have a great idea! I would support a forum for growing tropicals in colder zones. I myself am addicted to the tropicals. I have visited the tropical plants and tropical zone gardening forum many times and have learned a great deal from my fellow gardeners who live in tropical zones. But when asked about what would work in my zone not many of them could suggest much except cold hardy bananas. I think it would be helpful to be able to chat with others who lived in my zone area who were growing tropicals (or tropical looking plants for those who want to be knit picky) with success, and they might even be able to suggest to me other plant varieties I did not know about.

Bubba, I will echo what you said...I am in love with tropicals AND 'tropical looking' plants. I also really enjoy cacti and succulents and it would be nice to know what will survive here. I cart in so many plants in the winter time (no greenhouse here), it's getting the point of ridiculous really. Unfortunately, being able to move to a warmer zone anytime in the near future is not happening. In my own personal experience, not a lot of people in Indiana have tropical looking plants in their gardens. Here and there, but it's not really common. I couldn't believe how many people stopped to ask about my banana plant because they had never seen one growing around here.

Yes, there is a tropical forum and I have been lurking it lately. (I just became more active in the forums, even though I've been a subscriber for quite some time.) I've learned a lot from the people that post on there as well. However, when you live in a colder climate, it is hard to sift through all the information/threads in the tropical forum; in hopes that you will come across some commentary from someone that has experience in a colder region.

The forum certainly seems to primarily consist of people that live in warmer zones and for obvious reasons. In effect, most that post on it are at a loss for how to advise those of us in the colder zones. I can understand the possibility for some confusion with a second tropicals forum as well, but surely there is a solution for those of us that would like to bring the LOOK of a warmer climate into our gardens.

I wish I had more time to sift through all of the information; in attempt to find those gem posts from people in and around my zone. However, on most days I don't, as I'm sure many others don't either. Besides, more direct information on the subject leaves more time for gardening. For those of us with shorter growing seasons, this is a wonderful idea! I'm really glad that this topic was brought up. Thanks Edge...no confusion here either...for the point that you were making.

Perhaps coming up with a title that won't allow for confusion would help ease the distaste for a second, somewhat related forum?

Edited to say: I realized that I've been spending more time in the "Aroids" forum, but have also been lurking the tropical plants forum. ;-)

This message was edited Apr 8, 2009 8:44 AM

Yes. I too am experiencing having to "bring in" a lot of my plants. I am now battling fungus gnats because of it and the gnats are winning. Leaving the plants on the dryer side does not work. I too love elephant ears and have been collecting many varieties, but it takes me days now to dig them up and bring them into the garage for winter. I JUST KNOW that there are people out there that live in our climates who know of varieties of tropicals that can take our winters. Brian Williams is one of them, and I have appreciated his suggestions on several occasions. Why can't we simply name the forum "cold hardy tropicals"?

Chuckle...well, because as was pointed out earlier, that "cold hardy tropicals" is truly a contradiction in terms. Not to be pedantic, but a tropical plant is one that will not endure freezing temperatures. Some tropicals wimp out when the temps dip into the 40s, which is cold but not freezing.

Hardy plants generally refer to plants that can withstand cold or freezing temperatures.

So the two concepts are truly at odds with one another. There are tropical-looking plants, some of which are relatively hardy. Can we tweak the Tropical Plants forum name to something else? Yes, if we determine that's the best approach, we sure can. In the meantime, I would encourage those of you who are interested to post in the Tropical Plants forum. Ask questions and give suggestions to one another, and use the forum to discuss the tropical plants that you grow, even if you have to protect those plants during your winter months.

You are missing the point. We are looking for varieties that we DON'T need to protect. And I know they are out there. There are varieties of elephant ears and bananas that can take the temps. And I think you are being knit picky.

No, I do not see that Terry is being knit picky. She made a good point and it's understandable.

Rachel

Whether we need to protect them or not they are still tropicals!!!

Well, I just read the old thread and whoa...

I was rather surprised at the snarkiness from some of the users on it. Speaking of, with all due respect Terry, the "chuckle" that you put at the beginning of your last comment (which was also an opener in your commentary on the last thread on the matter) comes across as though you think the desire for a new forum on such a subject is a bit of a laughing matter. I understand that you may not have intended it to come across that way. However, I personally felt that way when I read it, both times. It could just be me, but I thought I would express my interpretation of your response(s)...present and past...just in case anyone else took it that way as well.

I'm sure that being a DG admin requires a bit of a light heart and I'm guessing that's how you intended it to be taken. Unfortunately, that's one of the downsides of online discussions; it's inevitable that one's true intent will be misperceived from time to time. Again, please know that I'm not trying to sound disrespectful, just stating my own perception of what you said.

After doing additional reading on B.Williams commentary (previous thread)...it certainly sounds like there is such a thing as a hardy tropical. Either way, regardless whether or not people want to continue argue about what defines a true tropical in their mind; that's really a secondary issue. (I think that's what Bubba meant by saying that you're missing the point.) The foundational issue is that there is a large interest for a forum on the subject, aside from what is appropriate in the admin's eyes to title it.

I really like the suggestion made in the old thread; to call the forum "Hardy exotics". That would eliminate the argument about hardy tropicals being an oxymoron of sorts.

Bubba...sorry to hear about your war with the gnats and the fact that they happen to be winning at the moment. I have gone through that as well. It's no fun. :-/ Since I've been using a fan in my "dirt room" in the basement, it seems to help with the molding issues which leads to rotting, which lead to those oh so fun fungus gnats.

Brian Williams: although we've never directly interacted on here, I wanted to take the opportunity to tell you that I've really enjoy reading your commentary, especially in the aroids forum. I've learned a lot in last couple of weeks in the aroid forum from yourself and others. Thank you for contributing your knowledge to Dave's! Also wanted to tell you that your plant creations are just lovely!



This message was edited Apr 9, 2009 2:13 AM

Your point is well taken, and you're correct that absolutely no offense was intended, and I am sorry for causing any offense.

My chuckle was only at the irony presented by the question of why can't we name a forum the cold hardy tropicals. It was not aimed at anyone personally, or at the suggestion of a new forum.

I think our track record shows we are willing and eager to create new forums when there is a need that can't be met in our current forums. But we've also learned to temper that enthusiasm a bit--with over 250 forums, some of them have fallen into a slump soon after they were created, and that can be disappointing for everyone.

We strongly encourage those who are interested in growing tropicals in temperate climates to use the tropical plants forum. If a plant is classified as a tropical, that's the place to discuss it. If you want to talk about creating the proper conditions for those plants (i.e., a semi-tropical microclimate), that's a good place to do so. If/when we see that forum overflowing with activity, we can easily make the case for splitting off and creating a new forum and moving any threads that should be migrated.

What about the already existing Cool Climate Gardening forum?
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/f/coolclimates/all/
Seems like those folks would know what tropical looking plants would be hardy?
How about the Foliage Plants forum?
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/f/foliage/all/
Lots of tropicals mentioned there too.
Then there is the Tropical Plants forum
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/f/tropicals/all/
They'd know for sure which ones are hardyish.
Then there's the Aroids forum
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/f/aroids/all/
Brugmansias for tropical looking plants
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/f/brugsetc/all/
Cannas, depending on what zone you're in might be hardy
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/f/cannas/all/
Daturas too
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/f/datura/all/
Gingers
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/f/gingerly/all/
Hibiscus
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/f/hibiscus/all/
Hardy looking tropicals, the perennial ones anyways...or maybe that would have to go in the perennial forum?
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/f/perennials/all/
sine hardy would be technically perennial...
Rhododendrons are kinda tropical looking
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/f/rhodosetc/all/
Palms and Cycads
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/f/palms/all/
Can't forget the Plumerias
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/f/plumerias/all/
Tropical Fruits even has a forum
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/f/tropicalfruit/all/

And you all want to add another kind of tropical forum to add to the already present chaos??

Everything you have listed needs to be brought inside in the winter. We are looking for varieties you don't have to dig up or bring inside in the winter. And there are some out there, you just have to find someone else who is growing them to let you know what varieties are successful. I have not found anyone on the tropical zone gardening or the tropical plants forums who could suggest any.

Any one of the above mentioned might possibly have varieties that don't need to be brought inside in the winter...depending of course on what zone you are in!! If they don't need to be brought inside, then they would be perennial and belong in the Perennial forum.

If you had read the post from Terry, you would have seen that we will not get our forum. Instead we will have to visit the umteen that you mentioned above and more to find out a simple little answer that only someone in our situation could answer. So we will drop it again this year. Maybe another time people, We will just figure it out on own own again.

I'm in the same situation! Sheesh...zone 5 here...ground is still frozen...snowing out...we sometimes just have to face the fact that we can't grow tropical plants in the ground all year. If we're looking for tropical looking plants, well...then they aren't tropicals either, are they?

Why are you being so mean?

I'm not!! at least I'm not meaning to be and if it seems that way I do apologize.

Thank you Terry. I appreciate the clarification.

I can understand the apprehension to start yet *another* forum, with as many as there are at the moment. I have been doing a lot of reading in the tropical and aroid forum. I've read more than I've posted so far. I have a lot of aroids, so that forum, in particular, has been more helpful for me. Otherwise, I guess we'll just see how things progress for the people that would like to see this forum happen.

Three gardeners, I think part of the request for the forum is to actually eliminate a bit of chaos by not having to go to all of those forums when it comes to getting a question answered. The only thing on that list of forums that has hardy varieties (that I know of anyway) is hibiscus. FYI, I have a Blue River II and I LOVE that plant. It's going buck wild in my zone!

Those of us that would like to see this happen will just have to hope for the best in the future! Have a great day all!

Here's a pic of Blue River II...

Is an elephant ear a tropical?

Yes, that was why I mentioned that according to B.Williams there *are* some hardy tropicals. From what I've read in the aroids forum, I think I have a colocasia that will survive in my zone...woohoo! I'm going to give a shot. We'll see.

I leave my Glads in all winter, does that count?

Three gardeners, that's good to know! I just bought a few different varieties and was wondering if they would survive the winter. I consider them somewhat tropical, but I'm not sure if they are, technically speaking. Hmmn?

Speaking of, I just bought some jumbo hybrid glads called "Grand Prix". On the box, they show to be a really beautiful mix of oranges, but the limited information that I found on them says they're white? Are you familiar with these?

Not familiar with them...maybe the bloom colour depends on soil and weather conditions? I know mine change a bit each year.
I'd experiment with your glads before you go and leave them all this fall...I started with some babies and then the following year left just a couple of each kind as an experiment. When they survived I left them all. Some of the fancier hybrids might not be as hardy. I'd hate to see you lose them all.