Poke Berry hardiness
Poke Berry hardiness
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!!!)?
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!!!)?
- Old earth dog
- Posts: 7003
- Joined: Aug 31, 2002 8:00 pm
- Location: St. Louis Mo zone 6 bordered on 5
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.
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.)
jd in nh
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It is well to remember that the entire universe, with one trifling exception, is composed of others. --John Andrew Holmes
janet's list
It is well to remember that the entire universe, with one trifling exception, is composed of others. --John Andrew Holmes