Araucaria bidwillii (Bunya)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Araucaria_bidwillii

Last year I tried to overwinter a small tree (about 2ft high) outside by fleecing it and wrapping in bubble wrap etc. but even with the milder winter there was some frost damage on the branches although the crown survived. This year has hardly been sub-tropical and the awfull wet summer weather we had didn't help it. It's a survivor though and the crown had grown about 6".

I don't want to risk it outside for another winter so have dug it up and potted it in a large container and it's now quartered in an unheated greenhouse. Problem is it's potentially a large (60-150ft.) tree and it can't stay there forever.

Has anyone experience with this species and if so what's the chances of getting it established outside so that it can survive the vagaries of the Scottish weather?

 

Found this bit on their hardiness
"A plant that requires a warm garden or unheated greenhouse. Minimum -3�°c to -5�°c."

NB. Indications of hardiness are intended as a guide only, as it is not possible to be 100% accurate. Bear in mind that softly grown and young plants are more vulnerable to frosts than established specimens, and two days at ââ?¬â??8Ã?°c will do less damage than two weeks at ââ?¬â??4Ã?°c.

As with a lot of tender plants if you can get it to a decent size before you plant it out the better chance it will have of surviving.

 

Hi Frogesque, not 'seen' you around for some time. I have only grown A. Bidwillii years ago in a tropical palm house, as it was open to the public it was removed due to its nasty sharp pointed leaves. I assumed it was no hardier than A. Heterophylla (Norfolk Island Pine) and therefore would not stand our winters, perhaps the Scilly Isles. I brought my NIP in last week for the winter.

 

Thanks for the replies! Been rather busy during the summer so not had a lot of time on GC - just a lurk or two!

The bidwillii is much as I suspected so I guess it'll just have to overwinter in its greenhouse (10ft. high) for a few years. What can I say - other than it's a challenge!