How Cold Hardy Are C. goeringii an C. ensifolia?

[Subrosa]

I'm looking to get some feedback from folks who grow these outside in the ground. I'm in zone 6B, but I have a very neat microclimate created by the intersection of a south facing brick wall that has a black slate patio at the base, and my asphalt driveway. I have a cultivar of Rosemary in the corner this created that is only supposed to be zone 8 hardy. It has survived the last 7 winters with no protection other than snow cover. Do I have a reasonable chance of keeping these plants long term in these conditions?

[Ray]

I would say "maybe" - but with some reservations.

Back in the days when I imported a wide array of "Chinese" cymbidiums, my supplier grew outdoors, and the plants saw 100° in summer (but under very heavy shade), and occasionally saw snow cover in the winter, when they were unshaded. Those periods tended to be brief and not much colder than freezing.

I'm up in Bucks County, and I grew them similarly outdoors, moving the pots indoors when the temperature was gong below freezing.

I don't know about the "in the ground" part, but I would think you'd be best digging out pits to sink pots in, rather than direct planting, so they could be easily extracted when the temperatures get as low as they have this winter. A brief freeze is not an issue, but an extended period of frozen roots certainly is.

[Subrosa]

Thanks for the info Ray.

[NYCorchidman]

With ensifolia, I would NOT grow outside in your climate. These are warm growers coming from the southern China.

Goeringii is quite hardy in general.
Some grow in area where they get lots of snow. Parts of China, Southern tip of South Korea, and part of Japan.
They will take near freezing for short time, but not recommended.

They actually thrive with cold winter just like neos, except neos are usually found clining to the rock near the ocean and goeringii found in the forest beds with mostly pine trees I believe.

So you could try your goeringii outside, but watch for freezing cold and keep it heavily mulched or protect otherwise.

I think the best is to grow unheated indoor space where it gets quite cold but never go below freezing to be safe.

[AnonYMouse]

I found this while looking for info on my hybrid. Hope that shed some light.