I don't have dwarf orinoco, but I have a 'California Gold', regular Orinoco, and Raja Puri. Winter here in coastal South Carolina was mild with a few nights in the mid to high 20's. None were protected at all and browned foliage was left in place. Dead material was trimmed back on March 10. Raja puri was the first of the three to start growing, orinoco just after and the CG still has not started. The Raja is the most attractive of the three, too. I haven't tasted the fruits, but I am still hoping!
Unrelated to the edible comparison, my sikkimensis seems to be the first to grow each year, followed by basjoo and itinerans. For appearance, M. sikkimensis is the winner here; basjoo sulks in the summer for me
But....my conditions are less than ideal. I don't fertilize enough and don't water as much as I could. I'm going to try to be better this year.
