Yes of course they grow like weeds here, as do most south African plants. I am glad you are doing well in your zone and your posting should encourage more gardeners to give them a try. Al

I tried once, but not very hard, and it didn't thrive. I've heard that one of the keys to overwintering, is to plant them relatively deeply.

LOL!! They will plant themselves deeply! If you've ever tried to get rid of the buggers - and I think Al will bear me out on this one - you'll soon discover that those fleshy little root organs can work their way down a good 12-16 inches into the soil, which is far deeper than most perennial roots will penetrate. And every single one of them, or even parts of them, will produce a new plant. Once established in a situation or zone they are happy with, they are virtually impossible to get rid of or even transplant completely. It doesn't surprise me at all that hardiness may be increased with deep planting........and very good drainage as well.

I love them - they are gorgeous plants and make excellent cut flowers - but where they are fully hardy, they can be an incredible pest.

I've tried growing them from seed the last two years with no luck. I may try to see if I can find plants instead. However, I already have plans to keep them in pots, because of the stories I've heard of their aggressivenes.

I still have a few seeds left, so I'll probably give it one last try and then look for plants in the spring.

Dee

I grew them once because I love the scent too. They didn't come back the following year. :-(

They grow here. I have had success with 'Sweet Laura' and 'Mauve Majesty'. Masuve Majesty was planted last summer, and bloomed this year about July. It was trying to rebloom, but frost nipped it in bud.
No special planting and no mulch. I think they'd be happier here with better drainage.

nina and denn, you HOT TICKETS you!!!!!this is such exciting news. i am truly amazed that nina doesn't mulch in z.4; denn, maybe you want to try the not- mulching technique on a small plant next yr.? as for me, i'm defintely gonna try them. Along w/ some mum varieties, alstros seem to keep their flowers longer than any other cut flowers.have you noticed that? if any of you have preferred vendors for them, plse let me know. th you.

best,
mindy

I do have consistent snow cover. I think mulching is one of the best ideas since sliced bread, but I never seem to have enough mulch or enough time.

ah yes, i always forget about that Consistent Snow Cover concept. It's such an important one but my brain just won't go there for some reason. Maybe if i repeat it over and over like a mantra, it will seep into the density...
Another mulch alternative is an upside down peach basket over the plant, removed in spring.
best,
mindy

Well, Mindy, what is a concept for you is a way of life for me. Funny to think of, isn't it?
But it means that I can play with plants that are way out of zone.
Crocosmia is exceptionally vigorous here - so much so that I sometimes wonder if we are unleashing the next invasive plant. But I think the garden's great triumph is agapanthus. It overwinters and blooms beautifully.

WOW nina, that is sooo coool!!!!! so maybe this yr i'll plant my pot of agap. and put styrofoam, and leaf mulch to bury.
mindy

I've picked up most of my alstro's at mass merchandisers like Lowe's, and a couple even at grocery stores, around the spring holidays, particularly Mothers Day, when they sell them as blooming potted plants. When I see a color I don't have, I buy it.

I also have the dwarf agapanthus. It has proven completely hardy here for me, and has the nicest dark blue blooms in July.

Another plant not in its zone but which has come back long-term and bloomed for me is Crinum.

These tips are helpful, but would be a lot more help if you would say where you are, instead of just "here".

I can attest that I've tried three or four times, and they rot in the mid to late summer heat here. Yet another high-altitude plant that just won't do in the humid SE. I envy those of you that can grow it (and marvel how far north you are).

Carrie Young, everyone on this thread has their location up where their name is at the top of the comment with the exception of the original poster denninmi who is in zone 8a, though we don’t know exactly where. You could add that info to your profile so we know where you are as well. There are spots on your profile page under advanced settings for the zone, and you can add your location there or as part of your publicly displayed name.

I have grown them where I live in Southern lower Michigan both outside and in a pot overwintered in my unheated sunroom with no problem. I cover with leaf mulch outside and place a container over them. They are still in bloom in late Sept.

in a pot overwintered in my unheated sunroom with no problem.

Funny you mention this as we have friends who overwinter their plant in their kitchen!

Yes, I have just one. I would like to have more. I live in Western N.Y. I have had this one for 3 years now. He does really well! I am afraid to buy more as I saw they need to be in zone 7. I am a zone 5.