Aeschynanthus how hardy

[frits.kp]

I bought Aeshynanthus buxifolius from Aberconway nursery this year. Most literature demonstrates tempting a little frost during the winter with little indication to severity. Has anyone had experience of growing this species in a cold greenhouse?

[Maggi Young]

The Aeschynanthus  is very charming, but I think that more than "cold glass" may be needed for it.  I suspect "frost-free" might be called for, at the very least. More likely it needs around 15 degrees C   

For anyone wanting to learn a little about this Gesneriad :
http://www.gesneriads.ca/genaesch.htm

[frits.kp]

15c         AAAAAHHHHHH
No surely not, its colder than that now.

[Michael J Campbell]

It will take a few degrees of frost,I have had it in a cold greenhouse all last winter with no heat( a mild winter here) and the winter before with a heater set at between 0 and 2c so it did get some frost.

[frits.kp]

That sounds better. Many thanks

[Maggi Young]

I'm sure I'd read that temperature for it somewhere and I thought I'd seen it in a warm house at RBGE.   

[Michael J Campbell]

Maggi,it probably would enjoy the warm house at RBGE, but it ain't getting that sort of treatment here. With the cost of electricity going up it will just have to get used to the cold like the rest of us.

[Maggi Young]

Tell me about it, Michael, if I get a winter temp. of 15 degrees in my workroom I think myself lucky.
No I have wi-fi I'm getting better conditions by working in the sitting room 

[frits.kp]

I have one heated room but space is small, mainly taken up with my Gesneriads, I think it will have to take its chances with the bulbs. I will try and keep the plant just above freezing. Think I will have a word with Tim Lever at Leeds conference Saturday.