Hallson Gardens

Does anyone out there grow Poke Berry? More specifically, I'm interested in the variegated form Phytolacca americana 'Silberstein'. Everyone I've talked to has warned against the common green "weed", but this variegated form is quite striking!

Most places list it good to zone 5. I'm wondering what my chances are here in zone 4 (we've been down to -14 already!!!)?

I'm not sure about the varigated form, but the common green Poke weed is all over the place here. Does the varigated form still have the red stalks? That would be a beauty. I suspect the seeds would all be the green variety.

I don't know about it in zone 4, but in zone 5 it grows and survives fine, but is much more restrained and less aggressive than its green cousin, and I have not seen volunteer seedlings popping up around it. I would plant it in a slightly sheltered location, give it excellent drainage, and hope it doesn't read the sources that say it won't survive there.

I don't know about it in zone 4, but in zone 5 it grows and survives fine, but is much more restrained and less aggressive than its green cousin, and I have not seen volunteer seedlings popping up around it. I would plant it in a slightly sheltered location, give it excellent drainage, and hope it doesn't read the sources that say it won't survive there.

I would expect it to be perfectly hardy for you, Josh. Would you like some seeds?

I have not been able to winter it over in containers.

The green form is definitely hardy in my zone 4 winters that hit -30ºF several times a season. Variegated forms of most plants are usually a bit less hardy than the green, but it would certainly be worth trying if you really like it. (I'm on the list of those that hate the green one, nasty thing that it is.)

Viktoria, that's what I wanted to hear

So, Buckeye & Vik...do you think it is worth growing? What size does it reach?

I'll send you an email, Vik.

Thanks, everyone!

The one gardener I know growing it has had it about 3 years and it was about 3.5 ft tall this summer, and indeed is a striking plant. I just haven't been able to convince myself to try it because of its heritage.

I forgot to answer one of your questions, Josh. In my garden it is as tall as I am, 5'8", if not taller. I do not fertilize it, so I suspect you could grow it larger than that. Allow 5' for width of one plant.

So it gets to be good sized. Thanks...can't wait to see how it does!