Hi James,

mine is in a sheltered position where it has been since 1999 and is still happy. However they do need a sheltered place because frosts below -3 knock them right back to ground level. They still come back again, but won't get very big if they grow from root each year. They are also prone to slugs!

Try looking at my photo on

http://www.celtlore.co.uk/garden/backgarden/backalbum1.htm

and see 7th picture down.

All the best
Gill

Here is a link that might be useful: Outdoor swiss cheese plant in Paignton, Devon

Hi,
I live in Plymouth, and temperatures didn't go below -0.8C last winter, and havent gone below -1.2C in the last 5-6 years. We do get a lot of rain so I'm worried that might rot the roots over winter. I see you are keeping Strelitzia and Ananas, are they also overwintered outside?
Thanks
James

Monstera loves wet conditions. As for Stelitzia regina, it suvives outside fine, but does not flower if overwintered outdoors. Strelitzia nicoli survives and lfowers prolifically in our climate.

I overwinter Muse Basjoo, Musa Lasiocarpa and Musa Sikkimensis outdoors in the open, and I overwinter M Itinerans outdoors, but sheltered under my fruit trees.

All other varieties I end up bringing in at least for a few weeks most years.

If you want to see what tropicals thrive in our climate, visit Colleton Fishacre gardens! They specialise in tropicals which grow here, and are amass with metallic blue flowering puyas, king proteas, timber bamboo and all sorts.