UK hardiness
Is Hairy-leaf Tylecodon hardy in the UK?
Tylecodon hirtifolius
More about hairy-leaf tylecodon in the UK
Hairy-leaf Tylecodon and the RHS hardiness rating
Hairy-leaf Tylecodon is rated RHS H2 — tender, meaning it withstands winter minimums of about 1 to 5°C. In practice that means it needs a frost-free greenhouse or indoors over winter — a UK frost will kill it. The RHS rating describes an absolute minimum temperature, not an average: a single hard frost below its band is what does the damage, so the question is always "what is the coldest night my garden gets?", not "what is a typical winter here?".
This follows the RHS plant hardiness rating system (H1a–H7), the UK standard. For the US growing-zone view, see the hairy-leaf tylecodon USDA hardiness guide.
Does UK region change it?
Because hairy-leaf tylecodon is frost-tender, UK region matters less than the simple rule: it does not stay outdoors over winter anywhere in the UK. Treat any time outside as a summer holiday — bring it back indoors once nights drop toward 10°C, well before the first frost, and acclimatise it over a week each way so the leaves do not shock.
Overwintering hairy-leaf tylecodon in the UK
Overwintering hairy-leaf tylecodon in the UK means bringing it in: a bright, frost-free room or a heated glasshouse, watered sparingly while growth slows. Do not leave it against cold glass or near an unheated porch. Move it back out only after the last spring frost has passed for your area.
Hairy-leaf Tylecodon UK hardiness — frequently asked questions
Is hairy-leaf tylecodon hardy in the UK?
Hairy-leaf Tylecodon is rated RHS H2 (tender, hardy to about 1 to 5°C). It is not winter-hardy anywhere in the UK and must be overwintered under cover.
Can hairy-leaf tylecodon stay outside over winter in the UK?
No. Hairy-leaf Tylecodon is frost-tender — a UK frost will kill it. Bring it indoors or into a frost-free greenhouse before the first autumn frost and return it outside only after the last spring frost.
What does RHS H2 mean?
RHS hardiness ratings run H1a (needs a heated glasshouse) to H7 (survives below -20°C). Hairy-leaf Tylecodon's rating, H2, means tender — it tolerates winter minimums of about 1 to 5°C. The rating is an absolute minimum, not an average.
How do I overwinter hairy-leaf tylecodon in the UK?
Overwintering hairy-leaf tylecodon in the UK means bringing it in: a bright, frost-free room or a heated glasshouse, watered sparingly while growth slows. Do not leave it against cold glass or near an unheated porch. Move it back out only after the last spring frost has passed for your area.
Does UK region change whether hairy-leaf tylecodon survives?
Because hairy-leaf tylecodon is frost-tender, UK region matters less than the simple rule: it does not stay outdoors over winter anywhere in the UK. Treat any time outside as a summer holiday — bring it back indoors once nights drop toward 10°C, well before the first frost, and acclimatise it over a week each way so the leaves do not shock.
More hairy-leaf tylecodon care
See the full hairy-leaf tylecodon care guide, its temperature & humidity needs, and the US (USDA) hardiness version of this page.