Zone 8 here too. It only takes a little cold to cause a mature plant to die out and pup like crazy. I suggest over wintering M. lasiocarpa in a pot indoors. We did this at work 2 years ago and the flower was stunning. I've noticed the pseudostem needs to be very thick and stocky before flowering occurs. Everyone M. lasciorpa that was left in the ground pupped and now we have 50 young plants.
Also, Ive noted that when M lasiocarpa pups frequently, they tend to drain the soil very quickly of nuitrients. LOL I'm lazy and usually add organic material and a slow release fertilizer with micro nutrients.
