Brachychiton populneus

[mickthecactus]

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[Paul S]

Just right for planting out?

[mickthecactus]

I’m a bit nervous. I’d hate to lose it.

[Tom in Tucson]

I’m a bit nervous. I’d hate to lose it.

I don't think the average amount of cold you receive in that part of your country should be too much of a concern. As far as the fear of it receiving too much winter rain, I'm reminded of how William Hertrich of the Huntington Botanical Garden constructed a mini-greenhouse around the base of a large Saguaro to keep out the lethal winter rain. It apparently worked well for many years.

BTW, that species of Brachychiton is one of the hardiest in the USA.

[mickthecactus]

I shall think about it Tom.

Mind you we all lost a lot of plants last winter. Plants that had lived outside quite happily for years.

[Jkwinston]

I shall think about it Tom.

Mind you we all lost a lot of plants last winter. Plants that had lived outside quite happily for years.

I have a plant a little over six feet tall. It is in a deep 10 inch pot. After last year's disastrous winter, I decided to play safe. No special treatment this years and yes it is outdoors in the rain at the side of the house where it gets very little sun. Maybe I should throw some fertilizer at it, as it is moving at a slower pace than last year 'summer'; or maybe move it in to a 'sunny' spot. Mick, I do understand your caution. Jkw

[Paul S]

As I posted on another thread, mine - planted outside - was only partially defoliated, suffered little-to-no tip damage and is now growing away strongly. Last winter was a rare - if not unique - confluence of weather events that hopefully won't be repeated so I have high hopes of the longevity of this species in my climate.

I think it must just be a different mindset or, at leaast, a different objective - my interest in plants comes from a gardening perspective, not a collecting one. I want to see what plants I can grow outside, not just hoard them. I accept that I lose them occasionally - I try to figure out why and then decide if they are worth trying again. If not, I'll try something else. There must come a point when you can't justify getting any more interesting plants because you haven't got any more room for additional potted plants?

[mickthecactus]

I am most definitely not a hoarder. I’m a grower first and last. Always have been.

Would you plant it out now or leave to next spring?

[Paul S]

Spring would be best. Gives it a whole growing season to establish.

[mickthecactus]

Spring it shall be.

[mickthecactus]

And spring it is!

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