I'd still call it zone 8 at best, more likely even zone 9. Wait until it gets hit by a severe winter and see what happens. People seem to think that because it can survive an occasional -10°C, that it will survive a zone 7 climate. Not true. A -10° freeze can hit in a severe winter in zone 9. Why they call it a pine? The same sort of ignorami who call junipers, thujas and cypresses 'cedars'. All they seem to be interested in is promoting confusion and inaccuracy. They really ought to know, and do, better! Resin

There is a long story about the fiasco that rsulted from the first attempt to introduce and market the plant back in 2006 (too long for me to recount now). It was available from numeorus sources for a while. However, one of the major problems has been that it is EXTREMELY susceptible to Phytophthora root rot (presumably). Countless individuals throughout the east and especially southeastern U.S. have died. This includes specimens at top-notch botanical institutions and in many different conditions. Here, we can grow them in pots - but they are slow and sometimes also die suddenly. Almost always, if you inspect the roots - they are often rotted away. This was evident with the first ones I ordered from NG back in 06. I repotted them in better media and treated them with a fungicide. They eventually grew, but during the wet, humid summer - diseases crept up again. I am going to try grafting onto Agathis robusta this winter to see if that will make them easier to grow. Apparently this is now being done in the more tropical part of Australia where they also die quickly. I still have 4 potted specimens here that I will use for scions. My impression has been that this plant will only really succeed outside in California and similar Mediterranean climates - much like many other native Australian plants. Reports of their success in DC and similar places are likely only temporary as they aren't overly tolerant of cold temps. esp. continental cold outbreaks that occur every 25 years or so. You will also hear of them being grown successfully in Western Europe in maritime climates. Again, if exposed to real cold (below -20 C) they will likely die out. That's my 2c.

Novaplantguy, I do not know which nursery the earlier poster referred to, but the Ironmongers imported these plants several years ago and were propagating and selling them in Southern CA. I had thought they were planning on returning to Australia but perhaps I misunderstood. Anyway the signature line on a recent email, dated 31 Oct 2010, from them posted on a Cycad site came from the email address listed below: Bruce & Suzi Ironmonger The Cycad Center Cycads, Brachychitons and Wollemi Pines PO Box 754 Bonsall CA 92003 (760) 723-8092 cycadcenter@msn.com I am not sure I would spend the money for one of these plants to be grown unprotected in VA, but if you are willing to put the effort into protecting the plant you may want to try contacting them. Mike McG near Brenham TX

Unfortunately, the security measures put in place, didn't work, too well. Within 18 months of their discovery, photographs and GPS coordinates were being posted online. Last I heard, they were starting to show symptoms of root infestations, including dieback. The 'authorities' are, apparently, doing somethings to try and treat the infection, but what, I don't know - root drenching? As well as planting a grove of some 60 specmens, at Mt Annon Bot. Gdns, I have heard reports that a new population was being planted, in another canyon, in the NP, as additional security for their survival. I never go back, Embrothium, for that reason. I only know because the estate agent sent me photos. They do have fire scars on some trees, so they have had some experience of fire previously, but I would not want to be the person responsible for having to find out if they regenerate, by letting fire run through then. The tops of some did sustain some scorching, but hopefully, very minimal. Fof