Manuka in the US

[KeyLargoBees]

Not intending to start a Manuka honey monopoly in the Florida Keys but was wondering if anybody else in a somewhat tropical part of the country has had any luck growing these bushes it says they are hearty from zone nine and up which makes it perfect for me since I'm in a zone 11 just interested to see if I can get these little trees to grow and if anyone on here has any input.

[herbhome]

Sounds like a great idea but I assume it would take a large acreage to produce a monofloral.

[KeyLargoBees]

yep this is more of a gardening experiment than a business venture.

i found a nursury in central florida that has the trees in 2 gallon pots for $9 ;-)...and coincidentally my friend up there is headed back to the keys today and is going to swing through and pick me up 5 small bushes....at $9 per I am going to give them a try and see. The flowers are pretty and the photos the nursery sent me are spot on so it is the same planta...another bonus they bloom profusely in December January which is our lowest "flowering" time of year so if they grow its a plus if they don't i am only out a few bucks and I love gardening anyway so a win win.