skip to main content

What does this really mean?

17 years ago

What does this really mean?

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8Â° C (25Â° F)

USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1Â°C (30Â° F)

USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7Â° C (35Â° F)

The above information was posted for 1 plant. Now if I read this correctly, if I live in zone 9b then my plant can handle 25Â°F but if I move my plant to a zone 10b then it can only handle 35Â°F.

So if I read this correctly, if I move this same plant to a zone 7a then it should be able to withstand 0Â°F. I am thinking 5Â°F for each 1/2 zone (a and b).

Now, in the real world, I know this could not happen because, we have NO palms in this area.

So, what are they really trying to say?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

unautre
17 years ago
That the plant is supposed to survive down to 9b, 25F
orchiddude
Original Author
17 years ago
OK, what if I live in zone 10, will it still survive @ 25Â°F?

If so, why give all the other numbers, why not just say down to USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8Â° C (25Â° F)
Related Discussions
Localvore...what does it really mean for us?
Q
Comments (7)
Dan, why is a non-native invasive necessarily not sustainable? I know that many knowledgable people are highly (perhaps voraciously) opposed to them, but I don't quite 'get' it. Is autumn olive eventually going to use up its habitat and disappear? Some presumably native shrubs and trees around here seem to compete well enough with it; AO has been in this area quite a few decades and it is present in somewhat limited habitats. In truth if the local population needed to get all of its vitamins from local fruit and etc there would not be far too much autumn olive and it would likely need encouraging rather than the opposite to ensure an abundant supply in the face of huge demand. An invasive that suddenly becomes a useful crop probably won't really be an invasive, will it? It will be getting a lot of attention and kept where it produces best and is easiest to get at. There are native species that colonize cleared forest faster than most if not all non-natives. Around here I don't think any shrub or tree can compete with short-leaf pine in a newly-cleared forest. Autumn olive competes for control of old fields and road-sides, both of which are convenient places for gathering berries.
...See More
Sun Requirements What does that really mean?
Q
Comments (3)
I second that thought Carrie! Many things that I thought loved full sun, like peppers and some of my herbs, were frying in our high altitude full sun. The peppers in pots on the porch, which is shaded a good part of the day, are doing MUCH better than the ones in the vegetable garden. The problem I have is that there is only so much room on my porch, so I try to plant things that can REALLY handle all day full sun. Mary, your climate is very similar to mine. I would bet if the label says 6 hours of full sun, it would do fine with much less than that where you are.
...See More
5784 GDD. What does this really mean?
Q
Comments (1)
go for it!
...See More
what does formal attire really mean?
Q
Comments (32)
I was discussing this thread with my 80 yo Mum. She said back in the day people knew enough to response and it was on their own stationary. She was shocked the first time she received an invitation with a response card. Seemed like a slap in the face, like she wouldn't know enough to rsvp. But nowadays, it's hard to get anyone to rsvp to anything. So whatever works - email, response card, smoke signal. I do use the response card but always add my own handwritten comment. The handwritten notes & rsvp cards with comments were such a treat to open when I got married so I always pay it forward, so to speak. Some brides probably thing "whatever, how many will be attending?". I don't think of myself as very sentimental but I did save a few wedding invitations that I found special for various reasons. It still makes me happy to see them when I come across them. It seems sad to think that by the time my 4 yo niece will be marrying I might be informed by text.
...See More
unautre
17 years ago
if zone 10, you won't get to 25F.

But if you did, yes, it would survive.

They aren't talking about 25F for a full week 24x7, and they are talking about a plant in the ground, not in a container, which is said to cost you at least one zone.

there's all kinds of variations. Some plants CAN take 25F for a full week.

Some plants can take a dry 25F, but can't take any any frost.

Some plants will survive with only the below ground bits, with everything above ground being killed, top kill.

etc, etc, etc.

You'll have know the characteristics of each plant.
orchiddude
Original Author
17 years ago
OK, I understand that but what still makes no sense is the fact that they have to spell that out for everyone. If the plant can live at 25Â°F, then why worry everyone to death about 30Â°F and 35Â°F. I mean why not just have 1 number on the plant and be done with it.

Thats interesting that you said a container plant looses 1 zone. I normaly just look at the min plant temp and keep it above that.
garyfla_gw
17 years ago
Hi
You drew the wrong conclusion form the numbers. Those are the average lowest temps within that zone . Has nothing to do with the plants. When they list zone numbers for a plant it's usually set by the coldest they are known to survive.
gary
orchiddude
Original Author
17 years ago
I think the part we are missing is the fact that the set of numbers given above was given for 1 plant. In my mind, I only need 1 set of numbers, not 3. I would have to do some research but I bet its been 25Â°F in zone 10 sometime in history.

unautre...makes the interesting point about it not meaning 24/7. SO, if the plant can handle 25Â°F in the ground, what does that really mean. To me it would mean that at night it could handle 25Â°F as long as the days were higher.

The problem with all this is, I would not trust the weather for a second with temps this cold on a palm I grew in a container for 10 years. Aint no way. :-)
Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
17 years ago
What is the plant? There are folks here who can tell you what it is rated at. I think they just listed three zones as a guide for a variety of tropicals, but just forgot to list what zone that particular plant is rated for. I'm sure it was inadvertantly left out.
palmshaun
17 years ago
There are a lot of dumb people out there. Ones who would look at that and say hmmm, I live in zone 10, but this is rated to zone 9, can my plant make it even though I'm in a different zone? To most its obvious that if a plant can survive the cold temperatures of a zone 9, it would no doubt survive in zone 10. Unforunately not everyone would put two and two together, hence the listing of 3 zones.

I'm certain every USDA zone has been below its stated "average low" temperature at one point, no need to do any research. :)
orchiddude
Original Author
17 years ago
Ok sounds good. At this point, who cares? LOL

:-)

Related Stories

DECORATING GUIDES Vintage Modern: What Does It Mean?

By Becky Harris

Objects With History Warm Up Clean Lines in Fresh, Eclectic Interiors

INSIDE HOUZZ How Much Does a Remodel Cost, and How Long Does It Take?

By Erin Carlyle

The 2016 Houzz & Home survey asked 120,000 Houzzers about their renovation projects. Here’s what they said

LIFE Houzz Call: What Does Summer Look Like at Your Home?

By Mitchell Parker

Kids, water, sunshine, backyards, cold drinks — share photos of what summer at home means to you

DECORATING GUIDES 8 Ways to Decorate With Love and Meaning

By Laura Gaskill

Surround yourself with happy memories, inspiring messages and delightful drawings for a home that brings joy every day

REMODELING GUIDES Contractor Tips: What Your Contractor Really Means

By Buckminster Green LLC

Translate your contractor's lingo to get the communication on your home project right

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Mysticism and Meaning Meet in an Ohio Artist’s Gardens

By Karen Peterson

Step into landscape scenes rife with symbolism, inspired by math, philosophy and the stars

RED The Meaning of Color: Red

By Laura Gaskill

Red is perceived as energetic, powerful, bold and lucky. Find out about the color’s roots in design, spiritual thought and nature

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Problem Solving With the Pros: An Abundant Garden Stretches Its Means

By Jay Sifford Garden Design

Swaths of resilient, eye-catching plants thrive with little care or resources in the landscape of a Pennsylvania farmhouse

ARCHITECTURE 10 Custom Doors That Uncover Meaning

Break out of the standard-door rut by learning a significance that few people ever consider

HOMES AROUND THE WORLD My Houzz: Simplicity and Meaning in a City Apartment in Sweden

By A

Essential and treasured items provide just enough personality for this medical student’s 3-room flat in Gothenburg

Sponsored

More Discussions

Please help my palm ignorance!

4

Pot size for Palm

5

Can I put these in a worm bin?

1

Drooping frawns

10

Sick pindo palm

0