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Re: Furcraea

Moira wrote:

>I consulted my new copy of Heidi Gildermeister's book and she mentions
>Fucraea without any particular indication of tenderness, so I presume
>they would be able to survive at least mild frosts. This is certainly
>the case with the related Agaves which grow around where I live and will
>stand temperatures at least as low as 23F. 

I have always (rightly or wrongly) assumed Furcraeas to be somewhat
less hardy than most of the larger Agaves such as americana and tend
to 'lump' the plain green leaved forms in with the less hardy
variegated Agaves.  Furcraea selloana has tolerated 16 winters in at
least one garden here in South Devon and others - F. gigantea and the
stunning F. foetida 'medio-picta' have survived the past 5 years in
very sheltered spots.  In the case of F. selloana it has had to endure
minus 7C on several occasions and has withstood being covered in snow
for nearly 4 days during the winter of 1986/87.  F. gigantea and
foetida 'medio-picta' have both withstood minus 5C for very short
periods during the winter of 1996/7 and several days when temperatures
remained barely above 2C.  

I am informed (how reliably remains to be seen) that F gigantea in its
plain leaved guise is very tough and can easily withstand up to minus
2C for long periods.  My gut feeling is consider them all as Zone 9b
plants in order to play safe.  But there again, nothing was ever
gained without risks being taken and I suspect most of us here are
more than prepared to try and push back the frontiers if we think
there is a remote chance.  I say this last as I grit my teeth, hoping
that Alocasia macrorhiza is as tough as they say and will not only
survive, but continue to flourish in a warm corner. 

David Poole
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