Araucaria araucana 'ROBUSTA GHERI' monkey puzzle tree, hardy araucaria

Monkey puzzle tree is a conifer that originates from Chile but we have a special selection for you which comes from Italy and is hardier and more reliable in our continental climate.

It is called Robusta Gheri and is the only one that survived winter of 1985 in Tuscany when temperature dropped down to -22°C. Until today this winter is remembered as the worst in the past half century. It is very similar to the species. Only its trunk is more massive, branches are a bit wider apart from one another, and the colour of leaves (flattened needles) is lighter. Adult plants bear large, rounded cones with edible seeds.

It grows slowly into a regular, symmetrically pyramidal shape. Its height will vary with location but is estimated between 3-4 m under our conditions (zone 6). It is widely soil adaptable, just make sure it is moist in summer but well-drained so that it does not stand in water in winter. Do not over-fertilize. Shelter from strong, drying winds. Experienced hardiness to -24°C (USDA zone 6) or more with protection.

Last update 09-01-2009; 05-02-2010