| When I was in New Zealand I admired a flowering plant called "euayphia". Is it available in the U.S? |
| Could you by any chance mean "Eucryphia"? This genus of plants grows wild in Australia, South America, and Tasmania. It is a flowering shrub or tree, depending on the species and how it's pruned. They are much more commonly grown in Britain than in the US. Unfortunately, the plants aren't terribly hardy. The ones I found are rated hardy to USDA Zone 7 or 8. I suspect you might be able to grow some of the hardiest ones, such as Eucryphia x nymansensis 'Nymansay'. (One catalog says this is hardy to zone 8, ones says zone 7.) This is an evergreen shrub that grows to a height of up to 20', and would probably require some form of winter protection. I can't say for sure if it would survive your winters, even with protection. In the U.S., the plants do best in the Pacific Northwest's climate. Another option would be to grow the plant in a large container, moving it outdoors in the summer and moving it in a sheltered place in the winter. You may be able to keep it in bounds with regular pruning; however, it would require quite a large container which would be difficult to move. Here are two sources: Greer Gardens, www.greergardens.com Heronswood Nursery, www.heronswood.com Good luck! I bet New Zealand was beautiful! |
