COLD HARDY PLANTS Growers and Breeders of Unusual Cold Hardy Plants

COLD HARDY PLANTS Growers and Breeders of Unusual Cold Hardy Plants

**Agave utahensis var. eborispina**
Quantity of plants tested: 1 Size of plant tested: 1st year seedlings which germinated 2nd week of May 2000. Soil texture: sandy loam When planted: the seedlings were planted in soil in June 2000. Winter protection: no mulch of any kind, glass covered top of seedlings from early November through March 2000. Microclimate: cold microclimate, 100% shaded from November through mid February. Temperature: refer to 2000-2001 winter on this chart Findings: the plant died. It did well until February when the soil surface thawed but the lower soil remained frozen. The lower frozen layer prevented the excess moisture at the surface from draining, therefore, the seedling was sitting in water for several days. There were many days when the top 1/2" to 1" of soil was thawed, but the lower soils were still frozen. Freeze/thaw cycles may have also played a role in its death since water expands 10% when frozen. Low temperature was not observed to be the cause of death, this years low was 4F.
	September 20, 2000 - This photo shows the first year seedlings which germinated during the second week of May 2000. Seedlings grow slow the first year and are approximately 3/4" in diameter.
	January 27, 2001 - here's the only remaining seedling which survived through summer and fall. Three of the four original seedlings died before summer was over. Little to no damaged was observed to date. This seedling is assumed dead as of the end of February.
	December 9, 2001 - here's another small seedling planted in the summer of 2001. The seedling was started back in May 2000. This plant is protected by a poly roof so rain/snow will not cover the plant.
	October 22, 2002 - here's the same tiny plant a year later, talk about slow!!
	March 22, 2003 - here's the same Agave. DEAD! It was protected with a poly roof this winter too. Just too cold.

Home Page