How cold hardy is dwarf pittosporum

bluehaven_gweb

10 years ago

Can they survive freezing temperatures down to 20s in Houston?

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Comments (5)

paradisecircus
10 years ago
I would think so. I planted 3 dwarf pitts, all fairly young, only about 10" wide and tall, during the fall. Here in DFW, we had a few freezes. I had them covered for the hardest freeze, which resulted in ice and temps in the 20's for several days. I did not cover them during the subsequent 2 freezes. They were milder than the first but still cold.

Now here it is Feb and after a few inspections, they don't have much winter damage. Some of the younger growth had turned brown and crispy but I trimmed it off yesterday. They still look good, healthy, roots seem to be in good shape. In addition, I have heavy clay soil. I would think your pittosporums should do fine in Houston.
roselee z8b S.W. Texas
10 years ago
There are one of the most beautiful small shrubs I know of and were widely planted in San Antonio. Then about 20 or more years ago we had a hard freeze in early spring and they died all over town. At that time no one thought to cover them. I don't think I've seen one since.
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These are my guidelines I use Crypts no lower than 47 Aechmea no lower than 37. I dont risk any lower on these as I had some turn to mush at 35.. 2 years ago Neo's no lower than 32 without cover..high 20's I add heat I also take into consideration if they have a canopy of tree's, shade cloth or greenhouse ..as the temps in these circumsatnces are generally a few degree's warmer without the aid of a heat source. Low temp here has been 32.7 and I used no heat source. Zero damage not even to the banana tree. Just my opinion and its what works for me..I have to many to move everytime the weather changes so I move evrything once for winterizing according to what needs what and what heat sources I will use. And there it stays until spring Now that I wrote this book I will shut up
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paradisecircus
10 years ago
Aw roselee that makes me sad :( I probably should have covered mine for the other freezes but I'm happy to see they made it through okay.
roselee z8b S.W. Texas
10 years ago
Made me sad too as it is a beautiful plant. I'm glad to know yours are doing well. Perhaps they died off in San Antonio because they were actively growing when the late freeze occurred. Also maybe a more cold tolerant variety has been developed in the last 20 or so years. Sources on the internet say "Wheeler's Dwarf" is hardy down to 10-15 degrees so they should surely be okay in Houston.
paradisecircus
10 years ago
Ah yes! That's what I have is Wheeler's Dwarf. Can't wait til they fill out and spread a little more. They are lovely little rounded, mounding shrubs.

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How cold hardy is dwarf pittosporum

Comments (5)

paradisecircus

roselee z8b S.W. Texas

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roselee z8b S.W. Texas

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