Phoenix Tears is much sweeter than seedling goji, which we have grown and found quite bitter when eaten fresh. Phoenix Tears tends to sweeten much better on the plant, making it a much better choice for drying.

Cold Hardiness Debate

Some books and other nurseries online repeatedly consider Phoenix Tears a Zone 3 plant, while others list it as Zone 5. We believe it does well in Zone 4, but we don’t have experience with it in colder areas. As such, we find the discrepancy a bit unfounded—especially when places listing it as Zone 5 claim it’s hardy only to -10°F to -15°F, which would actually put it closer to Zone 5–6. But we digress… it’s hardy to Zone 4.

Root System & Growth

These shrubs were container-grown during the summer of 2024 and therefore have lots of fine root hairs, making them well-established and ready to thrive.