According to Silverhill Seeds, their Z. Albomaculata (USDA zone 7) is hardier than Z. Aethiopica (USDA zone 8 ). I have Z. Aethiopica "Pink Mist" with larger leaves and slightly pink flowers grown from Jungle Seeds seed about 5 years ago. I wouldn't count this as one of the hardier forms o...

Phil, Your unknown Echeveria looks like E. Cante. Regarding overwintering, echeverias don't overwinter well in the house or conservatory in my experience. If it's warm they keep growing and our winter light levels result in etiolation. The plants stay alive though and you'll have cutting material. S...

There are some Agaves from Thailand currently on ebay with price tags in the £££'s and with £65 postage on top. I've been watching them for a couple of weeks and they haven't had a single bid, not surprisingly. Nice plants but I wouldn't risk it.

Joel

Re. Paulownia, very easy to grow from seed. I've been pollarding mine (the one I kept - all the others were given away) since it's third year. So fast growing that £56 is hard to justify.

Joel

Nice plant CW and a bonus if I can propogate from it. I've received a £50 voucher for Jungle Seeds/Gardens and I notice they have C. Mamoth, Illustris and "Jacks Giant". I like the big leaves but ideally would want to over winter the plant small which is probably a no brainer with these pl...

I bought a seedling from a man selling them at RHS Tatton Flower Show 5 or 6 years ago. I'd tried to grow them from seed and failed so I was happy to part with £10 for a small plant. he said he'd tried to germinate them as well with no success and eventually went to Chile and brought these back in g...

I've had Puya Chillensis for a few years and recently acquired a Puya Alpestris. Probably more tender is a unnamed Dyckia with very silver leaves. I'd very much like to permanently plant these out and I think they would probably start to offset more given a free rootrun. Is it worth trying to protec...

Thanks for the advice folks. I think I'll try a different colocasia - possibly "Mamouth" next time.

My Zantadeschia Aethiopica's are happy with no frost protection. I've lost Eucomis to cold and wet before now but i will try again with better drainage. Chamaerops spent one night last winter with a fleece wigwam around and the emerging leaves show slight damage this year for the first time. I have ...

Ed, I'm near the Lancs border and my F. Bicolor has sailed through the last 2 winters in a pot with no damage.

Joel

Is anyone growing Phoenix Loureirii? The only place I've seen seed available is Chiltern Seeds who say it should tolerate hard frosts. My seed grown plants are now 3 years old and are intended for eventual permanent outdoor planting. I would be interested to know if anyone has tested the hardiness o...

I've had the above plant for several years and it grows reasonably well outside during the summer months and I over winter it in leaf in my conservatory. Despite multiple treatments this plant seems to be a magnet for Red Spider Mite which of course thrives in the dry heat of a conservatory. I have ...

"Bonariensis" in the name means "of Buenos Aries" so it is actually quite tropical too

Joel

I haven't been to Croston yet but met John at the North West Cactus mart in May and came away with a high elevation Echinocereus Triglochidiatus propogated from material he collected himself 5 years ago among other things. I must go and visit his nursery sometime.

Joel

I'm new to the forum and just want to say hi from sunny West Yorkshire.

Joel