Hardy Palm and Subtropical Board

Hardy Palm and Subtropical Board
[ Hardy Palm and Subtropical Board ]

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Agave “Ruth Bancroft”

Posted by Ken-Charlotte <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/HardyPalm/info/user=Ken-Charlotte' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 10/6/2021, 12:08 pm

This is a beautiful Agave. It looks a lot like A. Americana but is much hardier (Americana turns to “mush” below 18 F. but A. “Ruth Bancroft” is untouched at 7 F., I know for a fact). While not small, the A. Ruth Bancroft is not near as gigantic as A. Americana - another benefit.

I acquired the A. “Ruth Bancroft” about 17 years ago via Mail Order, but can’t recall whether it was from Plant Delights Nursery, or the now-defunct YuccaDo Nursery. Also, while it was labeled “A. Ruth Bancroft”, I never saw or knew the scientific name. It does not seem to be “Google-able”. I have read that an entire Agave portion of the Huntington Gardens out in SoCal is named for Agave aficionado Ruth Bancroft. Here it is in my front yard today:

Re: Agave “Ruth Bancroft”

Posted by Brian Elizabeth City NC <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/HardyPalm/info/user=Brian+Elizabeth+City+NC' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 10/6/2021, 1:24 pm, in reply to "Agave “Ruth Bancroft”"

Cistus suggests Ruth Bancroft is Sharkskin. Your agave may be mislabeled. Perhaps A. americana protoamericana? https://plantlust.com/plants/6371/agave-ruth-bancroft/

Re: Agave “Ruth Bancroft”

Posted by Ken-Charlotte <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/HardyPalm/info/user=Ken-Charlotte' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 10/6/2021, 6:12 pm, in reply to "Re: Agave “Ruth Bancroft”"

I believe you are right, Brian. That scientific name rings a bell.

Also, my memory about Ruth Bancroft the person was off. Here is her excellent website:
https://www.ruthbancroftgarden.org/about/ruth-bancroft/

Re: Agave “Ruth Bancroft”

Posted by Rob Cookeville Tn <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/HardyPalm/info/user=Rob+Cookeville+Tn' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 10/17/2021, 11:56 pm, in reply to "Re: Agave “Ruth Bancroft”"

part of the community for 25 years

Rob Cookeville Tn since (2013)
Robz7a Cumberland plateau (2000-2013)
Rob z6b TN (1996-2000)

Re: Agave “Ruth Bancroft”

Posted by Lucas West Arkansas <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/HardyPalm/info/user=Lucas+West+Arkansas' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 10/19/2021, 9:03 am, in reply to "Agave “Ruth Bancroft”"

Very impressive! Ken are you in zone 7b/8a?

Re: Agave “Ruth Bancroft”

Posted by Ken-Charlotte <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/HardyPalm/info/user=Ken-Charlotte' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 10/25/2021, 9:41 pm, in reply to "Re: Agave “Ruth Bancroft”"

Charlotte, NC has traditionally been described as 8a/7b, and in fact our average Winter Low was computed to be 11 degrees F. for many years.

That average has probably gone up a bit. On the one hand, each of the past 2 Winters have been very mild, with no Lows below 19 degrees F. But we also had 2 winters of the last 7 where the Low was 7 degrees F.

Re: Agave “Ruth Bancroft”

Posted by Lucas West Arkansas <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/HardyPalm/info/user=Lucas+West+Arkansas' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 10/26/2021, 11:03 pm, in reply to "Re: Agave “Ruth Bancroft”"

Your climate is pretty similar to my climate then. I'm in 7b but only about 12 miles as the crow flies to zone 8a.

Re: Agave “Ruth Bancroft”

Posted by WSimpson NC <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/HardyPalm/info/user=WSimpson+NC' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 12/11/2021, 3:35 pm, in reply to "Agave “Ruth Bancroft”"

Nice and big .
My Americana has had 2 nice winters in a row but your right they don't like much below 15F .
Will

Winston-Salem
Ten year lows: 20F 5F 4F 15F 7F 8F 14F 19F 16F 16F(2022)
10 Year Average Winter Lowest Low 12.4F ; 30 Year 12.3F
Profession:Trachy Defiberer and Palm Spear Puller (free estimates)

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