9a hardy bromeliads?

17 years ago

Is anyone growing bromeliads outdoors in zone 9a or colder? I have seen various aechmeas, bilbergias and neoregelias grown outdoors with no protection and I know which ones are supposed to be hardy, but it depends on the situation. I left my neoregelia "fireballs" outdoors on the ground in a protected area with hardly any damage, but the ones growing in a tree were fried. More specifically, anyone with luck growing broms epiphitically would be great. I Just purchased Aechmea gamosepala "large form" and "small form", Neo. "Hannibal Lector", Neo. "Red Band", Neo. "Betty Head" and Vriesea Vagans. The literature and websites suggest that these are hardy, but what about in trees? I also have a vriesea fosteriana "Rubra" (Which iis flowering and has 2 pups already by the way) and was wondering how hardy it is as well. Thanks for any help!

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Comments (3)

Minxie
17 years ago
Jax use your zone as a rule of thumb. Close to the ground is always warmest. Consider microclimates within each area
you plant. Frost cloth is always a good idea.
tomas
17 years ago
Protected and unprotected could mean 2-4F of difference, this could determine the survival or death of the plant. Fireball, Hannibal Lecter, Vriesea fosteriana are not 9a plants. A. gamosepala is very hardy.

The best quick reference is still this list, for 9a you should consider the hardy to 20F column, than you go secure

Tomas

Here is a link that might be useful: brom hardiness
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jaxtropix
Original Author
17 years ago
Just got some neoregelia spectablis too... It does well in the area and I love the muted coloring. I planted my n. compacta, n. betty head, n. concentrica, and n. hannibal lector under an oak tree. That should provide some protection, and if it gets lower than 20 degrees like this year i can lift and stash in the garage overnight or cover with pine straw. Thanks for the info, Tomas and minxie; The Jacksonville zoo here has a bunch of gamosepalas and they look beautiful en masse.