Site Archives Zone 5
Mahonia Aquifolium (Oregon Grape Holly)
A Tough, Ornamental Evergreen
Mahonia aquifolium is a glossy evergreen shrub native to the Pacific Northwest. It features pinnate leaves on long, irregular stems. The individual leaves are leathery, spiny, and resemble holly. The shrub is somewhat coarse in habit, but is still an interesting and ornamental addition to a cold hardy tropical garden. It will [...]
Musa Basjoo (Japanese Fiber Banana)
About Musa Basjoo
Musa basjoo is generally considered the most cold-hardy banana.
While it does grow in Japan, the Japanese fiber banana is native to the Ryukyu Archipelago, which lies between Japan and Taiwan. It is also very common in parts of China.
Its large, tropical foliage and fast growth rate make it ideal for a dramatic feature [...]
The Hardiest Bananas
A List of Cold-Hardy Bananas
Bananas can add an instant tropical look to any landscape. They are fast-growing, with huge, tropical-looking leaves. Although the cold-hardy temperate varieties listed below rarely fruit in colder climates, they are valuable for their dramatic foliage.
Musa basjoo has long been considered the hardiest banana. It should be hardy to [...]
The Hardiest Bamboos
Zone 5-6 Bamboos
Certain species of bamboo can survive temperatures as low as -20°F. Below is a list of cold-hardy bamboos compiled by members of the American Bamboo Society. Although the plants will most likely not be killed by the temperatures listed below, they will often die back and regrow from the ground [...]
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