Crossandra marmalade

10 years ago

I bought a crossandra a few weeks ago and put it in a very large planter (too big to bring inside). I have grown to really love it. It blooms without letting up and has a kind of tropical look with glossy bright green leaves. Plus its a little different than what everyone else seems to have, and I like that. Really pretty, and really "cool."

I searched for them here and only found a few mentions of them, which was very surprising. It is listed as an annual, but I have read that it is hardy in zones 9-11. .. I'm in zone 8a. I've had several "annuals" in the past survive the winter, like annual dianthus almost every time, and sometimes snap dragons. Has anyone ever grown crossandra and had it survive the winter?

I've also read that some folks bring them in the house over the winter. Since it's in such a large planter that would not be possible for me, unless I took it out of that planter and put it in something else. Would that even be possible? Most things I try to transplant that already have a root system that's spread out, unless they are perennial, do not survive afterward. Does crossandra have roots that are sensitive like that?

I'd love to hear your thoughts about anything regarding this plant, really, even if you don't know the answer to my questions. There is so little about crossandra here, so I'd love to hear your stories if you have them!

Thanks for your input.

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Comments (5)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
10 years ago
when faced with said dilemma.. i would suggest rooting a few pieces.. and taking those inside for winter.. the link says its possible with stem cuttings ...

and letting ma nature do what she will with the big one ...

ken

Here is a link that might be useful: link
sara82lee
Original Author
10 years ago
Trying to root a cutting is a good idea. Hopefully it roots pretty easily. I've not seen this plant before and I would hate to not have it again next year.

If you see it somewhere and you're not sure about picking one up, I think you should! It's said to do well in heat and humidity, which has been true for me.It's my new favorite annual!
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I bought it from Lowe's the year before. It is a tender perennial. As I recall, they are only hardy to zone 8 or 9, no way in zones 5 or 6 like you and I. I LOVED this plant and had never seen it before. Seems like you have to go by Lowe's every week to see when they are carrying it.
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I'm not in S. Cal, but in N. Cal, (South San Jose), and I have grown some Crossandra. It usually does not survive winters here and needs to be brought in and grown as a houseplant during winter if it is to survive. I usually grow them as "annuals" in a pot on the patio. I jsut bought 2 of the Orange marmalade Crossandra. wanda
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Hi Julia, I planted some Crossandras four years ago in a planter of my north facing window out front. Every year it freezes down to the ground...but every Spring it re-grows. I can't believe it! Its come back from the dead or almost dead four years,lol...I do very little to them, once they were a year old I don't even water them anymore...whatever rain it gets seems fine for them but it all fairness they don't get direct sun...just very bright light. Once a year I throw a little Miracle grow fertilizer before it rains. Very easy care in my experience any ways...I'm sure your blooms will open soon! One of my favorite plants! Good luck with yours. Here's mine taken a little while ago!
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flowergirl70ks
10 years ago
I was given one of these 3 years ago when my husband passed away. I thought it was a house plant, so it has never been outside. It has never been out of bloom for 3 years. I have repotted it once. I don't see why you couldn't put it in a smaller pot so you could bring it in the house.
sara82lee
Original Author
10 years ago
Wow, thanks flowergirl! Three years blooming is pretty amazing! I just took a cutting two days ago, and it hasn't wilted yet at least. Time will tell if it will root. I'm crossing my fingers. I'll try potting it also... You've definitely made me rethink that possibility.

It's so great to hear from someone else who has one. I wish they were more common, and I can't see why they're not. Especially now that you've said yours has bloomed for three years without stopping. I'm sure its really beautiful!
sara82lee
Original Author
10 years ago
Wow, thanks flowergirl! Three years blooming is pretty amazing! I just took a cutting two days ago, and it hasn't wilted yet at least. Time will tell if it will root. I'm crossing my fingers. I'll try potting it also... You've definitely made me rethink that possibility.

It's so great to hear from someone else who has one. I wish they were more common, and I can't see why they're not. Especially now that you've said yours has bloomed for three years without stopping. I'm sure its really beautiful!

Crossandra marmalade

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ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5

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Crossandra marmalade

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