Dioon califanoi and merolae

[sapida]

I've got these 2 species, i would like to know if someone has an experience with them.

I'm in zone 8b and i would like to plant them outdoor.

Here Dioon califanoi

Dioon merolae

I've got Dioon edule and i find it very slow to produce new leaves in my climate, it need extra warmth,

Is it the same thing for the 2 others species?

Are they heavy frost hardy?

Thank you for your help.

Sapida,

Nantes, France zone 8b.

[LJG]

8b? I can not see how they would make it long term in an 8b in the ground. Mine had some minor frost damage at 28 degrees two winters ago. It might be a pot plant for you.

[sapida]

I'm may be mad, but i've got in the ground since 4 years Cycas revoluta and encephalartos fredericii guilielmii without problem in zone 8b.

[ghar41]

I'm may be mad, but i've got in the ground since 4 years Cycas revoluta and encephalartos fredericii guilielmii without problem in zone 8b.

No, youre not at all!

The plant community is slowly learning about the amazing resiliancy of cycads in cold areas. Im have grown 20+ species for 10 years in the ground in 9b, Sunset Zone 14. Many will defoliate when the weather stays in the low to mid 20's for periods of time (Jan 06), but all of mine have shot new leaves in the following warmth. The incredible collection of mostly large speciments at The Huntington in Pasadena saw an incredible low of 18F in some areas and has recovered (please update ithis if anyone knows the current loss count there.) The greatest enemy Ive found is the combination of too much water in poor drainage situations.

C revoluta and E f. guiilelmii are two of the best in cold weather..but watch the water on E. f. g. It wants excellent drainage. You may be better off in snow with this one...rather than lots of cold rain.

D merolae and D calafanoi certainly may be a stretch in 8b. You may have better luck with D edule and C panzuenensis or some of the other cold hardy Encephalartos.

One of the best things about cycads in cold areas is that you can get a complete new crown each year with proper care.

[Cycadcenter]

Firstly I would question if the first photo is in fact Dioon califanoi, one of the distinguishing features of califanoi is that the leaflets are inserted on the rachis at a 45 degree angle and yours from the photo does not exhibit that trait.

That said these two species will be marginal at anything under -5C. We have had defoliation of 15-20cm garden grown plants at temperatures under this, whereas revoluta, edule and fred/g's were not touched.

Bruce

[virtualpalm]

The plant in the first photo looks like Dioon califanoi to me. I have no experience with cold tolerance of either of these species.

Jody

[ghar41]

Looks like its been moved and its sun orientation was altered.

[sapida]

I've bought these plants in a nursery by mail so I think they come from glass house.

[JasonD]

Does anyone have experience with D. califanoi in cool-summer areas like New Zealand, coastal Central/Northern California? Sapida, have you seen them elsewhere in Cote Ouest?

[zootropical]

I have two Dioon califanoi. At first I planted them outside and the first winter was cold with several frost nights around -5°C. Plants were defoliated. I transplanted in pot and after a year in greenhouse they do leaves again. But one is doing a double head. It seems the gronwing point has been damaged.

Anyway I dont think it is a really cold hardy cycads. If you try this sp. you should protect from rain and cold with a shelter or any cover.

All the best.

Jean-Michel