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Re: Araucaria heterophylla

Val Dennison wrote:
> 
> During a recent visit to Sorrento, Italy,  I saw wonderful Araucaria
> heterophylla growing in the gardens of villas. What a marvellous silhouette
> these trees make. Thus enthused, I wondered if I could grow one here in the
> West of Ireland, outside in the garden. I am a little apprehensive as to the
> Winter temperatures. The lowest I have recorded this Winter in my garden is
> - 4 degrees.( that is minus four).
> Has anyone any experience of growing Araucaria heterophylla at these sort of
> temps?  I have a small plant which I can experiment with but oh! those
> wonderful shapes in Sorentto, I would love to succeed with a tree outside.

Hi Val

I have good news for you.  My very informative NZ gardening book says
that Araucaria heterophylla (Known here as the Norfolk Island Pine) is
hardy in Zones 8 and 9. Furthermore, among the books's climate maps is
one for Ireland which indicates that these two zones between them cover
your entire country!

We grow it a lot here in the North Island of New Zealand where I live. 
Around my home in the south of the island the climate is very similar to
yours in temperature, though nowhere near as wet and the tree seems to
flourish, especially on the coast. This is not surprising as in its
native Norfolk Island it grows right down to the top of the beach, often
in almost pure sand.

You would need to be pretty careful in sitiong it in a garden, as it can
eventually grow very large (My book says 12-15+ metres)

Would be interested to hear how you get on with your tree outside

Moira
Tony & Moira Ryan <theryans@xtra.co.nz>
Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
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