Coonties in the Pacific Northwest

[Chester B]

Anyone tried to grow Coonties (Zamia integrifolia) in Washington, Oregon or BC.  They are hardy to zone 8, but like with many plants I'm wondering if our cool, wet winters are too much?

[amh]

I'm in a different climate, but mine grow in between freezes? I'd concentrate on a good draining soil and give them a try. Maybe grow them in pots the first year or so to acclimate the plants to your climate.

[Silas_Sancona]

2 hours ago, Chester B said:

Anyone tried to grow Coonties (Zamia integrifolia) in Washington, Oregon or BC.  They are hardy to zone 8, but like with many plants I'm wondering if our cool, wet winters are too much?

Hey  if they'll grow here, with our heat / lack of rainfall, why wouldn't they survive there, esp if planted in a similar fashion you would cacti ( Well draining, w/lots of grit / pumice - type of soil )  Because i'd see these things growing happily next to ..and sometimes in  drainage areas in FL that flooded often during the summer, wouldn't be shocked if they did fine in normal soil up there.

Just planted a clump i've had since moving here out front.

[Chester B]

I like the look of them and and have found some for a pretty reasonable price.  My front yard is hot and very sandy soil so I think they'd like the summer just fine, it's the winter that can be tricky around here.  Thanks for the feedback.

[amh]

26 minutes ago, Chester B said:

I like the look of them and and have found some for a pretty reasonable price.  My front yard is hot and very sandy soil so I think they'd like the summer just fine, it's the winter that can be tricky around here.  Thanks for the feedback.

They are wonderful and very hardy plants, so as long as you don't have a winter bog in the yard, they should thrive.

[Silas_Sancona]

1 hour ago, Chester B said:

I like the look of them and and have found some for a pretty reasonable price.  My front yard is hot and very sandy soil so I think they'd like the summer just fine, it's the winter that can be tricky around here.  Thanks for the feedback.

Think if you plant in a bed topped w larger deco. rock + maybe some larger " Rip Rap" - type rocks scattered among them, that might provide enough heat to at least keep temps. a little warmer at their level  when it gets real cold..  At least there you can try them in more sun up there, ..forget that here, lol. 

If you're lucky and manage to pick up both male/ female plants, almost a sure bet you'll get seed.  Seed germinates pretty easily as well, so you can try any babies produced elsewhere to see just how tough they are and not have had to spend anything extra to find out..

[Silas_Sancona]

1 hour ago, Silas_Sancona said:

Think if you plant in a bed topped w larger deco. rock + maybe some larger " Rip Rap" - type rocks scattered among them, that might provide enough heat to at least keep temps. a little warmer at their level  when it gets real cold..  At least there you can try them in more sun up there, ..forget that here, lol. 
 

Should have added, though they'll fry in full sun here,  w/ some afternoon shade / filtered all day shade / extra water if / when needed,  they can look fantastic.. Should really be more common here.

Desert Botanical's specimen ( Might be a couple more i didn't take pictures of ) I'm sure it is bigger now ( Took the pictures back in Aug. of  '16 )






Boyce Thompson.. A bit colder up there than down in the valley, but Summer heat isn't quite as severe there.. Garden sees snow every so often as well.  Found some other, unexpected Zamia sp. growing there in the same bed. ** Apologize ahead of time for the blurry picture. Headed back for the year's first look at everything soon **.