View Full Version : Cycad hardiness?
john_ny
12-01-2008, 05:31 PM
Today, while raking leaves to put on some basjoos, I discovered some pots that had been taken out of the greenhouse 18 months ago (May 2007) I thought every thing was dead, having sat there, unprotected, through the winter of '07-'08, in New York, but then I saw several little cycads, in 6" pots, that were green. Granted, they mostly had only one green frond on each, so they may have died to the ground, in the winter, and resprouted this past summer. I don't know what kind they are. I don't remember buying them. I probably grew them from seed, or they may have been given to me, as samples, at a Florida show.
Anyone have any similar experiences, or have a clue as to what variety they are?
saltydad
12-01-2008, 05:51 PM
Fascinating! Maybe you have a new cold hardy sport, John. Put me on your list!
john_ny
12-01-2008, 07:17 PM
Howard - If you want one, you've got it. (in the spring) However, I don't think I have a sport. Usually, if you get a "sport", it means one branch of a tree/shrub is different and, if you take a cutting of that branch, you might be able to continue that trait. However, I don't think you can take a cutting of a cycad (you could probably TC it). I think the 6 or 8 plants that I have each originated from a separate seed and, chances are, that all of these seeds exhibited the same variation are rare.
However, I have an area where I planted Callas, with the intention of digging, and storing them in the fall. I didn't do it, and they've come back for 8 years now, so one can be suprised..
Whatever, if any of these make it to the spring, I'll let you know, and you can have one.
Chironex
12-01-2008, 09:19 PM
I just got some cold hardy Cycads from Robert Chumley - his own cross from 2005 and 2008. They are supposed to be cold hardy here in Las Vegas. He might be able to help you ID these.
Taylor
12-01-2008, 11:14 PM
Which ones did you get Scot?
That's an exciting find, especially at this time of year! And for this part of the country. Tropical discovery in your own yard. Were they under a heavy pile of leaves for the year? Keep us posted if you figure out what they are......any pics?
john_ny
12-02-2008, 09:52 AM
Sorry, no pictures, at this time. My camera died recently and, after inquiring in a few places, it's not worth repairing. Although I paid over $500 for it when I bought it, 6years ago, I can probably get one with more MP for less than $100 now.
The leaves on the cycads were some that had just fallen on them, naturally; we didn't dump any on them, so it wasn't a heavy pile.
Chironex
12-21-2008, 11:03 PM
Which ones did you get Scot?
Finally got around to finding the names of these purchases and gifts from Robert Chumley:
Cycas taitungensis X panzhihuensis an F-1 hybrid by R. Chumley 2008
Cycas taitungensis X guizhouensis hybrid by R. Chumley 2005
Dioon merolae from Mexico
Macro zamia communis from Australia
I was thrilled with the plants and hope to begin growing more of them as time and money permit.
I highly recommend Robert for any Cycads you may want to grow as well as some of his own hybrids. Many are bred for cold-tolerance.
Thanks Robert!!!
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