The hardiness of plants over tha past 5 years or so

I have 4 growing from seed they are in the unheated polytunnel at present seem to be riding out the winter ok

 

I have a Bilbergia that's been outside all winter and apart from a little spotting on the leaves from the last hard frost, it's doing ok.

 

Dont know if a washy would reach tree size inland in the Uk, because about twenty years ago you wouldn't even consider it.
I think they have reached a pretty large size on the south coast and other well known mild winter spots. Sorts of places that used to grow cordylines when the rest of us couldn't.

 

I might give one of them a go in the front garden then.

 

A bit of protection for the first couple of years might be a good idea r2oo, along with the attitude that maybe it wont make it. :D