I live outside Annapolis in Severna Park, Maryland. I started growing Sikkimensis, Basjoo, and Mekong Giant about 3 years ago with success.
I also tried Red Tiger but it did not survive. I started them in April and the first year they grew to 10+ foot. I waited until after they were slowed by frost and cut off all the foliage. I used chopped oak leaves (from my lawn mower) and buried the trunks to 2 foot depth. This was in early December. By mid Jan I cut the trunk down to 3 foot or about 1 foot above the leaves. Our low temp was 14F and we had 7 days below 32F consecutively. I though for sure they would not live. But I was thankful and surprised they started back growing in late March. I was afraid a freeze would kill them back but we dodged any temp below 25F and they did not sustain any damage. The next summer I had 10+ pups and 4 grew to 12+foot. Once again I waited until frost (late Nov). Mulched the oak leaves and buried them again. The next frost did not occur until late Dec and some growing had started again. I wasn't sure what damage this would do but cut the new growth back. Last winter started mild but was long until late April. Did not have any new growth until May. Now it is Jul 2013 and they are already 10+ foot.
I am posting photos but am new to this site.
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