But I want to plant it now!

Douglas Hunt
by Douglas Hunt
This is what happens when you are You go to the nursery to pick up that gorgeous alocasia that you asked them to get for you seemingly months ago, only to look at the forecast and see that for the first time in a non-winter winter the temperature is going to plunge to near freezing, surely sending this big plant that has been coddled in a greenhouse into a tailspin. So, even though you can't wait to add some bold tropical foliage to your backyard, you consign the new addition to the garage until the cold snap is past.
At least that's how things unfolded for me this week.
Alocosia x Portora, a hybrid developed by LariAnn Garner of Aroidia Research. Despite its tropical looks, it is hardy to zone 7b. If it's happy in my garden, it should get at least 8 feet high.
My hand gives a hint of the size of the leaves on a plant nowhere near mature size.
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  • David Perona David Perona on Apr 02, 2013
    Douglas- Is the Hyophorbe lagenicaulis a variation of the Beaucarnea recurvata? The average evening lows here are in the mid-40's Dec. thru Feb. so I think it would be OK. I looked up Strelitzia juncea, and honestly, I'd have to get over thinking that something "just ain't right" about that plant (-; I enjoy and am so used to the broader leaves of the typical Strelitzia here in CA, that it'd take some getting used to. But, I'll look for it and see how I feel about it up close. There are so many lovely, yet "spikey" plants around town, that I am looking to create a more tropical/lush atmosphere.
  • Douglas Hunt Douglas Hunt on Apr 02, 2013
    David, the Beaucarnea is actually a succulent and not in the palm family at all. When you get over your fear of commitment :-) , post some photos so we can see what you decided on.
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