What is a Katsura japonica vine?

Aucuba japonica won't be seriously damaged by temperatures in the teens unless that is combined with strong sun or wind. In a sheltered spot it is OK down to about 0F, but will look pretty sorry for itself until it thaws out.

--ian

Ian--

Thanks! I had noticed that although the acuba looks pretty sad after a cold night, it revives considerably in the afternoon. The daphne has been looking OK. An article I read recently pointed out that it's probably best not to plant things that won't tolerate your winters, obvious but nevertheless sage advice. Thus the vine is the only thing I've left wrapped, on a friend's advice.

Emily

P.S. In zone 6a north of Baltimore, one of the nurseries told me the store won't sell acubas because they don't survive well up there--they die back every time it gets very cold.

I have had a Mature 5' Acuba planted in a somewhat sheltered site, during the worst ice storm we have ever had,
outer leaves turn black. There was a layer of ice coating them for a week or so, before the temp got above single digits. I cut back the black leaves, becuase they were so unsightly. The temperatures finally warmed up a bit, and
the leaves perked up. The following spring it bushed out even more , and looks wonderful now.
I have sinced moved, but have 3 plants grown from cuttings, taken from that plant. They are about 3 to 4 foot
high now and look great.
I can't say enough good things about this plant. I love the fact that bugs dont bother it, and it douesn't seem effected by disease.

My understanding that acuba is kind of marginal in zone 6, and is happier in warmer zone 7. But I figure that mulching and winter protection will help in zone 6b. I'm planning to try it next year.

Even if the top gets cold-killed, you may find that the shrub sends new shoots up in the spring. Protecting the roots with mulch may be the best thing you can do.