The species is hardy outdoors for our friends in
Southern Europe around the Mediterranean. There are many beautiful
and large clumps in this area, often seen in cone. Several wonderful
examples were on view, even in public parks, during the 1994 European
Palm Society meeting in the South of France.
Away from this region, I have seen plants growing
in South West France at Combo Les Bans and I understand plants grow
happily in the botanic garden at Brest. These climates of course,
much cooler and wetter in winter than the Riviera coast. Experimentation
in the UK is still at an early stage though both Martin Gibbons,
in his London garden and Richard Darlow in his Yorkshire garden
have planted out specimens which have survived so far. Myself, I
have only tried a young plant, in a dry position, which failed to
survive its first winter, but I'm sure a larger one would have had
a better chance. If the opportunity arose I would try again with
a bigger plant.
This is a wonderful plant with great potential for
our region and even if you are not disposed to experiment, it will
make a beautiful and long term addition to your potted collection
and I highly commend it to you.
Cycas Revoluta - Ancient & Modern
