Help with cold hardiness of various tropicals

[Poink88]

I need to know when I should bring my tropical inside. Having limited space and wanting them to stay outside as much as possible, I would like to know the (lower) limits of each variety I have. I read online but I am getting different information.

Seems like these need to be in/protected below 45*F?
1. Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus) (from PR)
2. Neea Buxifolia (from PR)
3. Tintillo (from PR)
4. Ficus Nerifolia (from PR)
5. Fukien Tea

These can stay out down to mid 30's?
1. Guayabacon (from PR)
2. Guamuchil
3. Logwood/Bloodwood/Campeche (from PR)
4. TX Ebony
5. Barbados Cherry (Malphigia glabra)
6. Brazilian Raintree

I believe most of my other plans are cold hardy to my location so I am not worried with those.

Any input is much appreciated.

Thank you,

 

[GrimLore]

We are in South East PA and we bring ALL of our tropicals in just prior to the first frost and they all do quite well with the routine - I am no pro but tht is what works for us

 

[Poink88]

Thanks. Do you have any matching from my list?

 

[edprocoat]

Poink I doubt the Ficus Nerifloia or the Fukien Tea would be capable of surviving in mid 30's temps. Teas are not cold hardy at all in my experience and Ficus tend to go into shock at 40 degrees. I would keep them both much warmer than that.

ed

 

[Poink88]

Thanks Ed. I will move those 2 up on the mid-40's category then.

 

[stacy allen muse]

???????????

 

[Poink88]

Stacy,

I guess better safe than sorry. I will take them all in tomorrow. Most are in now but I left a few outside but. Low tonight is 46.

 

[JudyB]

I would say that is the wise choice. Otherwise, it may be time to cull the herd.

 

[Poink88]

Judy,

I have been and planned on continuing to thin my collection further next year. Problem is, I seem to add more than I take out (by accident). Just cannot let the poor plants die w/o a chance. I have to learn to accept that we cannot save them all.

I moved most of my tropicals inside but left a few outside. Temperature dipped a bit lower than forecast-ed (44*F) and one Campeche/Logwood/Bloodwood new leaves withered. That will then be moved way up to protect below 50's category.

Some Fukien Tea, Guamuchil, and TX Ebony were left outside seem to not mind...but we will see in a few days.

Thanks for all the help guys!