My brush cherry is coming - in the cold...

JillofWindyHill

I'm excited and worried at the same time. After scouring the web for the perfect bonsai for my FIL, I ordered an australian brush cherry from Brussels Bonsai. Then, when I called to make sure they would include a humidity tray, the nursery man told me to watch out, when it's delievered, that it doesn't sit in its box outside too long, as it may freeze to death. Yikes! I must say, the gal I next talked to there told me that they were waiting to send it as late as they could to avoid this. (She knew from my ordering comments when we needed it for FIL's birthday.) I'm impressed with Brussel's!

Anywho - I checked the weather for tomorrow and Thursday, the days they think it will arrive, and the temps will be highs of 44 and 46 Fahrenheit. Do you think, if I'm out for a couple hours, and it sits in that, that it'll survive? How cold would be dangerous? I'm considering putting a heating pad out on the porch (with a note) for the delivery guy to place it on.

What do ya'll think? How long can I be away?

Thanks,

Jill

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sauce

Being in a cardboard box with styrofoam all around should keep it somewhat warm. But I'm not guaranteeing this assumption. This care sheet says it should be okay.http://www.bonsai-bci.com/species/eugenia.html I'm sure a nursery of Brussels stature would honor a refund or replacement if the tree doesn't arrive in good health. I wouldn't think a few hours on the front porch would hurt it.

JillofWindyHill

It's not here yet, but I'm watching out for it. Brussels did tell me they would give me a credit for it if it froze. I just don't want to go through the hassle and time, as FIL's b-d it coming up quickly!

Jill

JillofWindyHill

Boy, do I feel dumb. Still no delivery so I looked at the calendar, and saw that it's not coming til NEXT Wed or Thurs! Duh! Still, I feel safer, with what you said, sauce, about the insulation, etc.

Jill

badlad52

Most tropical or subtropical plants (think of tomatoes or callas) can withstand fairly long exposure to ABOVE freezing weather. They won't grow, or thrive at all in such weather, but it will usually take some time for them to kill over. It's the frost that gets them, so I would only be worried if you intend to leave them in the box for a long time in below freezing (32 F.) weather.

I did an expirement with some Crassula cuttings this year, by putting them in the garden. It's about 40 out there, and they're GROWING!

sauce

Where is Lemoyne? As long as the temps are in the mid to high forties everything should be OK at your end. The main problem occurs when the tree is being shipped through different zones then it may possibly freeze enroute. Once again, I would trust Brussels to do it right.