Ireland
is lobster claw plant winter hardy
- 16 Feb, 2010
Answers
One of my friends grows clianthus outdoors. She has very well-drained soil and a very sheltered garden. She successfully gets it through the winter by covering it with fleece in autumn.
I live a mile from her and my soil is heavier and I have difficulty in getting it through the winter. Soil conditions and a sheltered spot are critical it would appear
16 Feb, 2010
The only plant commonly known as Lobster claw that I know is Clianthus puniceus, which is a climber (other people call it parrots beak). It's a climber with red (or white) flowers which will grow outside, but will just about tolerate temperatures as low as -5deg. C (though only for brief spells). If its not outside already, don't plant it out now, you need to wait till May to be on the safe side. The other Clianthus that's available is simply a houseplant, and not particularly long lived either, and rarely seen in Britain.
16 Feb, 2010