Yeah, they're tropical, from the southern hemisphere. Actually, they're primitive as far as conifers go and are part of a group of conifers that once grew on Antarctica when the continent was tropical.

If you visit Galveston, you'll see some pretty big ones in the neighborhoods and at UTMB (at least before Ike hit). They are supposed to get more cold hardy as they grow older so if you do plant yours outside, I would give it plenty of protection at first. You'll need to plant it in a protected spot by the house most likely.

Oh dear....well, I'll have to just plant and see what happens (wouldn't be the first time!). Unfortunately, there really isn't any sheltered spot for a plant that will get that size at my house.

After this past weird extra cold winter, I'm a little more aware of planting non-cold hardy stuff!

Thanks for your information!

Lynn

I got my Norfolk Pine from a friend that used to live in the Houston Heights. She was growing it in a pot in her back yard. She gave it to me, and I planted it in my yard down here in Rockport about 5 years ago. It is not in a protected area and is about 10' tall and growing like crazy. So far, I haven't had any problems with freeze damage. But then I'm further south than you and on a bay, so it doesn't get quite as cold as you, but we still get freezes.

They are truly lovely in the landscape. I saw so many near the coast and they really caught my eye.

Thanks, everyone; I certainly fell in love with my sister's tree. As I mentioned before, I had left mine out (thinking they were a hardy northern conifer!) during all the freezes that we have had and it seems fine. Now I hope it doesn't go and croak when I get it in the ground :)

Lynn

I live out of Huntsville, Tx on Lake Livingston. The 4 days of below freezing temps may have killed mine that is in the ground. A few branches are still green but most is turning brown. I'm keeping it until the end of May hoping it will survive.

I put mine in the ground two weeks ago. It is a two year old tree that I bought Christmas of 08. I decided to take a chance and if I lose it I will get another.

I had one several years back that got so big we were afraid it would damage the roof. A lady came by and said she had the perfect spot on her enclosed porch so I gave it to her pot and all. I saw her about 6 months later and asked how the tree was in its new home. She responded "You know that dumb tree died." Moral of the story, just plant it............

They do tend to get spider mites. The mites hate sprayed water. I take the water hose with the nozzle and spray pretty hard several times when I see some leaves turning brown.

Mine is still in the original (small) pot.....I am afraid to put it in the ground now; I guess I'll have to transplant it into a larger container, although I really don't want another large potted thing! Incredibly, mine survived fine.....in it's little pot.....left out in the freezes (I didn't know it was a tropical - ha!)

Lynn

I bought, or actually got for free, a small one at a plant sale yesterday. The branches are green, but the tree itself feels "scratchey" when you brush it, not soft like they usually do. Lady at sale didn't know if it would live or not, hence getting for free. Any ideas as to giving it a helping hand and keeping it alive? Would appreciate it very much. Pot plastic, 6" size, plant has 4 trunks and is about 10" in height.Soil looks to be regular potting soil, fresh. Thanks again for any ideas or instructions.

My neighbor lost his about 7 years ago. I live inside the loop and it had dropped to about 20 degrees for about 2-3 hours. If you plant close to your house it should do OK unfortunately he was in the middle of the yard. I just started that I am going to go ahead and plant mine on the east side of the house