Re: Zone info for leatherleaf fern
Gerry,
The AHS A-Z says:
R. adiantiformis (Leather fern). Evergreen, terrestrial or epiphytic
fern, very variable in size, producing ovate or triangular, 2- or
3-pinnate, leathery, dark green fronds, to 36in (90cm) or more long; the
fronds have narrowly diamond-shaped to oblong pinnae. 20-60in (0.5-1.5m)
tall, indefinite width. Tropical and subtropical areas of S. hemisphere.
(min. 50-55 degrees F/10-13 degrees C)
According to the hardiness zone chart in the back of the book Zone 11 is
above 40 degrees. It also says:
Hardiness zones ranges are given for all plants in this book, except
tender plants (those plants generally unable to survive temperatures
below 41 degrees F/5 degrees C) and annuals (including some perennials
commonly grown as annuals). Many subtropical plants that tolerate
temperatures slightly below freezing are indicated as being hardy in
Zones 10-11.
Sounds like this is well beyond Zone 11 and according to the above
paragraph is what would be considered as tender. Hope this helps.
Karen
Gerry/Bob O'Neill wrote:
>
> Our local Home Depot had some nice Leatherleaf fern (Rumohra
> adiantiflormis) yesterday, with no info on zone requirements on the tag.
>
> I've always thought this one was Z8 and higher (my fern book just says
> "sub-tropical Americas").
>
> Gerry
