Two reports for the winter of 2011/2012:
Sofia, 2300 feet AMSL, 6b
This one grew satisfactorily in the summer, but had to f...Read Moreace the worst winter I have seen during my lifetime in Bulgaria. Knee-deep snow cover stayed on the ground for full three months, providing an excellent insulation against cold. Winter low was -7 degrees Fahrenheit. The seedling was bent and crushed under the mass of snow. In late spring, I kept breaking the stem until I reached a flexible spot, then I pruned the broken point a little, and now it is regrowing impressively, even from underground points.
Krapets, Bulgaria, sea level, 7b/8a
One small seedling was planted into the ground in spring 2011. Success was limited this time. The seedling barely grew, because it was on an elevated and dryish spot, I presume. The winter winds did it in, unfortunately. It seemed pretty dead, though it could have regrown, I guess. No snow lay on the ground during the worst frosts. Winter low was +2 degrees Fahrenheit.
Will keep trying, this time on more moist sites. Otherwise, seems pretty hardy.
Two reports for the winter of 2011/2012:
Sofia, 2300 feet AMSL, 6b
This one grew satisfactorily in the summer, but had to f...Read More