Simpson Stopper

[Carol 83]

I picked up one of these (Myrcianthes fragrans) at the show last week, for no good reason. I have done a bit of research online. But, I was just wondering if anyone has had any experience with them, perhaps some Floridians?

 

[Carol 83]

Not much to look at. I got it from an older couple at the show, felt kind of sorry for them, so I bought it. Anyone try it? @Vin ,@JoeH , any of you Florida guys?

 

[Cadillactaste]

Let me ask my friend Barb...she has some tropical book with good sources...

 

[JoeH]

I am airlayering one right now for bonsai purposes, looks like it would work well. Small leaves and flowers, interesting bark. Seems pretty cold hardy, not sure about Illinois tho.

 

[Carol 83]

not sure about Illinois tho

It would probably have to come in, in the fall.

 

[JoeH]

OK, its cold hardy to 25 degrees and is ok in landscapes up to Charleston.

 

[Carol 83]

I guess I'll have to make more room in the garage.

 

[JoeH]

honestly they have gone thru 19 degrees here in 2009 with no problems.

 

[Carol 83]

Hmmm. I guess as a big tree/shrub in the yard? Not a small potted plant?

 

[JoeH]

Hmmm. I guess as a big tree/shrub in the yard? Not a small potted plant?

well yeah 15 foot tall shrub, but I don't plan on sheltering it when its a potted plant either.

 

[Cadillactaste]

My friend is away from the house on a bonsai gig thing. But will get back to you if she finds anything.

 

[Carol 83]

well yeah 15 foot tall shrub, but I don't plan on sheltering it when its a potted plant either.

But you live if FLORIDA, lol.

 

[JoeH]

But you live if FLORIDA, lol.

I did have two loropetulum bonsai die from the cold this year. Had to be from that, they were doing well right up until the second one 26 at 3 am and below freezing till 9 am. So its not quite the garden spot everyone thinks it is down here. I'll have to get some pics, right now my landscape ones are shedding old bark, all fresh and green underneath.

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

@Carol 83
Simpsons Stopper would not be hardy in your area, too cold for too long. When talking cold tolerance with tropicals & sub tropicals, duration of the cold is just as important as the actual temperature. A surprising number of tropicals will survive a couple hours of freezing, but extend that time to days and weeks and they will die. So Simpsons Stopper won't be hardy north of it's natural range.

Loropetalum is hardy to maybe sheltered gardens in Memphis, but not Saint Louis.

 

[JoeH]

@Carol 83


Loropetalum is hardy to maybe sheltered gardens in Memphis, but not Saint Louis.

Or Florida in bonsai pots at 26 degrees.

 

[Stormwater]

Any updates or new pointers on this tree?