How hardy is Schleffera delavayi?
The following thread was started by Eucalyptus man on April 06, 2004 at 2:43 pm PST
Possible. Probably 15F at least
It is native to the same parts of the world as a great many of our Rhododendrons, comes from at least as far north as Szechuan. It has been tried in the UK with apparent success. I don't know where you would find its absolute limits but someone from one of the UK boards could probably help.
The above followup was added by Rob Wagner on April 06, 2004 at 4:42 pm PST.
Cannot answer your question on that particular schefflera but took this pic at weekend of the above named plant which has survived 10 years outdoors here probably zone 8b I believe they bottomed out at -8 c this year.
The above followup was added by Kev Spence on April 07, 2004 at 2:19 pm PST.
Schefflera taiwaniana is certainly the most desireable of the three scheffleras commonly considered somewhat hardy ( S. delavayi, and S. digitata being the other two). S. delavyi is not so arborescent, and not so tropical in appearance, though it has an appeal all its own. Unfortunately, S. taiwaniana is one of those U.K. specials that simply isn't available here. At least not until some die-hard plant geek professionals get excited about importing it (you listening Sean and Parker?). At one time, seeds were available from the Taiwan Forestry Institute. It would be wonderful to have access to all three and try hybridizing them.
There are another half-dozen or so scheffs that are native to the slopes of Kilimanjaro and Ruwenzori, but I expect it will be a long time before there is an opportunity to experiment with them.
The above followup was added by Steve in Brookings on April 07, 2004 at 3:05 pm PST.
Schefflera digitata is downright UGLY. By the way it is also nearly completely deciduous in Seattle (this may depend on individual genetics). It can be had from imported seed if you are willing to spend for the phytosanitary and import license fees that the USDA has slapped on us.
S. delavayi was a big surprise to me when I saw its photos on the Internet. Twice-lobed leaves (each lobe has lobes); to my eyes it looks very tropical. Looks very good. I didn't know that it doens't make a tree.
Never knew that S. taiwania even existed and wouldn't have suspected it would be that hardy. Amazing.
I do have, and can vouch for, a plant that is not a Schefflera but looks more like a Schefflera than some Scheffleras: Pseudopanax aka Nothopanax aka Neopanax arborea. Closely related to P. laetus, but bigger plant (smaller leaves) and hardier. It is a native of New Zealand. In moist shade it will produce good-sized leaves. It is handsomer and more tropical-looking than its ugly little compatriot, Schefflera digitata, and it is completely evergreen. Probably not as hardy tho, but mine has been OK so far.
The above followup was added by Rob Wagner on April 07, 2004 at 5:45 pm PST.
These are still in the experimental stage over here. Two intrepid modern day seed hunters have introduced a handful of species into cultivation.
One, a recluse in a Cornish secret garden, made the first introductions into the west from his travels in China and Taiwan has 20 year old plants of Schefflera taiwaniana, delavayi and impressa growing in his garden. All three have survived -8C during this time and are now mature 25ft tall trees. I was fortunate enough to be introduced to this man and see his garden a couple of years ago and the effect of these plants when first seen is just awesome - like seeing a unicorn or a dragon in the flesh.
Propagation material from these plants has filtered into cultivation over the past couple of years but not widely tested outside of the milder southwest.
More recently the plant that Kev posted the picture of has been tested in a colder region after a higher altitude seed collection and this year - in fact tomorrow! - it is being released commerically for the first time after micropropagation. This schefflera has the best track record as far as hardiness goes as Kev mentioned and although expensive at £50 sterling has to be one of the most exciting plant introduction of recent years..
I have all these - delavayi, taiwaniana (both prvenances), impressa and another odd one - to plant out this year so the trials for me begin in earnest.
Schefflera digitata hasn't proved to be hardy here getting quite substantial damage here when temps go down to -3C even under a dense evergreen canopy. This from an alleged cold provenance too.
Rob mentions Pseudopanax laetus, I can only agree - great plant that looks to all the world like the tropical scheffleras, best grown in shade where the etiolation gives it a more elegant look. Also, a good deal hardier and ultimately larger, Pseudopanax arboreus which has similarly arranged leaves but with toothed margins.
The above followup was added by Paul Spracklin on April 07, 2004 at 11:38 pm PST.
Here is my S. taiwaniana nice plant plenty of roots and worth the £50 paid.
The above followup was added by Kev Spence on April 09, 2004 at 10:12 am PST.
All ready for the next flush.
The above followup was added by Kev Spence on April 09, 2004 at 10:15 am PST.
Last pic promise well rooted and ready to plant.
The above followup was added by Kev Spence on April 09, 2004 at 10:28 am PST.
Kev, I thought taiwaniana had matte leaves with untoothed margins. Yours looks like it has glossy leaves with scalloped margins. Are you sure it's not delavyi? At any rate, it is very attractive (though I suspect its overall aspect might draw the interest of the sheriff's deputy).
The above followup was added by Steve in Brookings on April 09, 2004 at 7:54 pm PST.
apparently - many of the araliaceae show juvenile foliage forms and, according to the guy who is selling them, this is the case here. He is a mate of Dan Hinkley - they go off collecting together and is mentioned several times in his marvellous book - so hos credentials are impeccable. Mine has a more distinct notching on the leaves - you got a good 'un, Kev.
The above followup was added by Paul Spracklin on April 10, 2004 at 1:07 am PST.