Based on the lack of responses to my question, I guess no one has. Sunset lists them as hardy for zone 13, so I think I'll try one, especially since I like tree species variety (I can't take any more palo verdes and mesquites... I'm trying a southern magnolia in my backyard. It took quite a hit last summer- lost most of it's beauty, but I'm giving it extra zinc this year.

Hiya Rich and all,

I'm sure those of us who haven't tried camphor didn't want to reply with a hundred "no" posts, LOL. Neat that you're giving it a try. Let us know when/where you get one and how it does. Sounds like an interesting experiment. Desert Tropicals also says they should be fine in this climate, though like Sunset they say watch out for wilt.

I love Southern magnolias too. There are some great (and awful, LOL) ones around town. Nothing beats the scent of those huge blooms!

Keep us posted on both.
Take care,
Grant

Hiya Rich and all,

I was thinking about you and camphor trees this week as I just spent a week in San Jose/Silicon Valley, CA for the first time. Those camphor trees are very popular there and I can see why, they're really attractive.

You're probably familiar with them, but I did ask family and friends on their thoughts and they all generally really liked camphor trees, though everyone did say to remember they are fairly high litter and that they sucker, especially if the main tree is cut (think Aspen or Cottonwood). Overall though, folks liked them and said they grew fast too.

Keep us posted on whether you get one and how it does for you. Really interesting!

Take care,
Grant