Manage Cold Hardy Palm Trees

A cold hardy palm tree is determined by many factors, three of which are discussed in this article: The way the palm acclimates or responds to the cold weather. The mid-winter hardiness of the palm. And lastly, the way the palm de-acclimates when the weather starts to warm up. The acclimation process is activated as the temperature starts to decrease. These environmental changes trigger physiological and biochemical changes in the palm tree that result in greater cold tolerance. After the acclimation process the palm tree will be in a stage of mid-winter hardiness, where it has reached its maximum hardiness level with out injury. Lastly the De-acclimation process is exactly the opposite of the acclimating process. It refers to the response to warming temperatures in late winter and early spring.

The solution to the success of a cold hardy palm or tropical palm relies on many factors, some of which are: the overall health of the palm tree, the maturity, when it was transplanted, how long has it been stationary, the environment in which it has been grown in, and the species of palm.

Overall Health
The overall health of palm trees plays an important role on how well the palm will survive. A much healthier palm is proven to survive with minimal damages to the fronds and trunk. Making sure the palm has adequate nutrients in the soil is key for the well being of the palm. Studies show that adding fertilizer and other nutrients during winter will have no affect on the survival of the palm tree. When the palm tree starts the acclimation phase, it will start to enter a phase of hibernation. Biochemical changes occur, photosynthesis process decreases, therefore, less sunlight is needed and less nutrients is required. The palm tree stops absorbing nutrients and stores the nutrients it previously absorbed in late summer, early fall. Thus, making it very important to keep a healthy palm tree, all year round. However, there are preventative measures that may ensure the survival of your cold hardy or tropical palm; please refer to our winter protection article.
One solution is to fertilize your palm in mid-summer. This will to help the palm tree during the de-acclimation phase as well as during winter months. This will give the palm tree ample time to gather the nutrients provided and boost their health as winter arrives and will also provide the nutrients it will need to start its growth when spring comes.

The Maturity of The Palm
The maturity of the palm is also another key factor in determining the survival of the palm. When an immature palm tree is introduced to cold weather the chances of survival with out damage is much less of that of a mature palm tree. A mature palm will have extra leaves to give off heat to protect the inner bud or the new arising spear. This spear is more or less the life line of any palm tree.
A mature palms will also have more of an extensive root system which will allow the palm tree to recover faster by absorbing the water and other nutrients needed when damaged. As for an immature root system, the roots may freeze or may not tolerate cold weather and start to rot or decay.
The maturity of the trunk can also help with the protection of the palm tree. Some cold hardy palms have developed a husk to protect the trunk from frost or other unseen events given them an advantage when the natural elements come forth. The husk acts as an outer layer of protection, some examples of palms that have a outer fiber husk are the European Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis), Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei), Miniature Chusan Palm (Trachycarpus wagnerianus), Stone Gate Palm (Trachycarpus princeps), and other related species of the Trachycarpus family. Some examples of cold hardy palms with out the fiber husk are the Bismarck Palm (Bismarckia nobilis), Cabbage Palm (Sabal palmetto), Blue Hesper Palm Tree (Brahea armata), Needle Palm (Rhapidophyllum hystrix) and the Pindo Palm (Butia Capitata). Many of these palm trees can with stand freezing temperatures for days or even weeks with out any damage.
One solution to assist in the survival of a palm tree during the duration of cold months, is to only plant mature palm trees outside and keep the little ones indoors and inside containers. Once, the weather starts to warm up in spring and the palm tree is mature, than transplant outside. You can refer to our transplanting article.

When The Palm Was Planted?
When the palm tree was planted is important, because this will indicate how long the palm had to establish its root system. If the palm tree was planted close to winter, this might lower the chances of survival because sufficient time was not given for the palm tree to pass the transplant shock and to establish its roots. All palm trees go through a transplant shock, some for a few days and some for a month or two. Deciding to plant around winter could prove to be a challenge.
One solution to planting a palm tree, is to plant it during spring or when the weather is warming up. For other tips and preventative measure please refer to our winter protection article.

How Long The Palm Has Been Stationary?
How long the palm has been stationary plays an important role in the palm trees survival. The time the palm tree is planted in a specific area without being disturbed is critical, not only to cold hardy palms, but to plants in general. Cold hardy palms, as well as tropical palms, also have a high tendency to die slowly, because they were transplanted to many times. Palm trees in general, do well when they are transplanted once; from a container to the ground. When a palm tree has been stationary for a long period of time, their root system will be more extensive. This will help during times of drought, cold, or lack of nutrition in the surrounding soil. By having more time to settle, the palm tree can be ready for winter season.
One solution is, once the palm is safely transplanted in the ground, the palm tree must not be disturbed for at least 2 to 3 years. During these years the location of the palm should not be relocated for any reason. This is the rule of thumb for most palm species, including cold hardy palms.

The Environment The Palm Has Been Grown in
The environment the palm tree has been grown in, is some times overlooked by many people. Many commercial growers will have hundreds if not thousands of palm trees growing all different species at one time. Most in green houses and some outside in fields. Most of which are in the south, where weather will hardly ever reach below freezing. A palm tree that has never experienced weather of its natural habitat will be affected by the cold more so than a palm that has been winterized or has been growing in their natural habitat. Winterizing is another word for acclimating palm trees.
Some nurseries will acclimate the palm before selling them to northern customers to ensure their survival when the harsh winters arrive. Some nurseries will refer to this as either, winterizing a palm or acclimating a palm. The reason for choosing palm trees which have been acclimated to the weather is because the palm trees will better resist cold temperatures. Many palm trees even cold hardy palm trees when introduced to the cold weather will go into a state of shock because it is not adapted. This process may also be done first hand. It is not necessary to do this, but the reward is much greater. This is especially true if it is during the coldest part of the year. Do not test the limitations of the palm, acclimate it slowly into the cold or full sun.
The altitude of the environment the palm tree is grown is just one more environmental factor which influences cold hardy palms. For instance, queen palm trees are found growing naturally throughout Florida which is completely flat and of low altitude levels. But, they are also found growing naturally throughout South America, which consist of many altitude variances with many lusciuos and colorful landscapes; unforgiving mountains, monster rivers, wet swamps, and many more of mother nature's lab experiments. Some, queen palms which grow in these regions are considered to be coldly hardy, and winterized by mother nature with her harsh climates consisting of gail winds, fat hail, merciless snow, and many more natural occurrences.
The safe and stable solution to winterizing a palm tree, is to winterize only palm trees which have already stood the test of time with mother nature, i.e. cold hardy palms. You don't want to winterize a Fiji Fan Palm, because it would take many decades, if not centuries to shape the biological structure. It's also, important to note that hybrids made of cold hardy and tropical flavors, have successfully endured cold months and have been winterized, but the results all vary with each species. So, mixing species is not a stable solution, but nevertheless it is stilled considered a solution.

The Species of Palm
The species of palm is the most important in determining the cold hardiness of a palm. Over the years many palm tree botanist and palm tree enthusiasts have studied the hardiness of many plants and palms. The hardiness of palm trees is due to hundreds, thousands even millions of years of the same natural reoccurring weather. This is called their natural habitat. The natural habitat of a palm will usually indicate the lowest temperature the palm tree can withstand. Every species of palm has a country of origin or a location where they grow naturally with out human intervention. Those thousands and millions of years have let certain species adapt to their environment. Some examples are a European Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis) from the cold chilly Mediterranean, Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) from the foot hills of the Himalayas, and the Blue Hesper Palm (Brahea armata) from the desert canyons of northwestern Mexico. These species of palm tree will inevitably be more cold tolerant than those of such places as Fiji, Philippines, or the Amazon.
To compare locality of a palm to its cold hardiness, is as follows A European Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis) native to the Mediterranean is more of cold hardy palm then to a Canary Island Date Palm (Phoenix canariensis) from the Canary Islands. As a Needle Palm (Rhapidophyllum Hystrix) from Central United States is more cold hardy then to a European Fan Palm. Studies have indicated leaf damage to the European Fan Palm at temperatures below that of 13 degrees F, on the other hand, the Needle Palm have shown little to no damage at temperatures of 5 degrees F and below.
This is why it is most important when choosing a palm, to not only look at the zone temperature it may be tolerant, but also the minimum temperature it can tolerate and also it's natural habitat.

Summary
A cold hardy palm tree is determined by many factors, three of which factors are: The way the palm acclimates or responds to the cold weather. The mid-winter hardiness of the palm and the way the palm de-acclimates when the weather starts to warm up. Which is also contingent on the following: the over all health of the palm tree, the maturity, when it was transplanted, how long has it been stationary, the environment in which it has been grown in and most importantly the species of palm tree.

Windmill Palm Trees

The Cold Hardy Windmill Fan Palm tree originated on the island of Chusan off the east coast of China, and the Windmill palm tree is often called the Chinese or Chusan Fan Palm. Robert Fortune smuggled Windmill palm plants from China into the Kew Horticultural Gardens and into the Royal garden of Prince Albert of England in 1849 after the Opium Wars of China ended. The Windmill Palm tree was named in Latin, Trachycarpus fortunei, after Robert Fortune, and after 158 years, in the year 2007, these Windmill Fan Palm trees are still growing gracefully as a distinguished, exotic, rare tree at Kew Gardens, a palm of noble bearing.From Kew Gardens in England, the Windmill Palm tree was spread throughout Europe, from the Mediterranean hot climates of Italy and Greece to a cold hardy testing ground in the landscape gardens of Switzerland and Bulgaria, where the Windmill Palm trees have remarkably survived, leaves even remaining green when covered with ice or snow. During the past seven years, truckloads of Windmill Fan Palm trees have been transported and planted in Canada and have survived the extreme cold winters in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, New Jersey, and Michigan.
 
Although most Windmill Palm nursery growers are conservative in recommending the Windmill Palm tree planting to be restricted to growing in zones 8-10; other Windmill Palm Nursery growers recommend and guarantee this rare palm tree to grow in zones 3-10. There has been a rush by Northern nursery retailers to plant Windmill Palm trees for the home gardener, who wants that tropical look and accent around his pool or patio. The Windmill Palm tree is planted at plant nurseries from seed, where they grow about one foot each year. The slow growth of the Windmill Palm is partially responsible for its cold hardiness. Another characteristic that is inherently cold hardy is that the fibers that cover the trunk insulate the growing center of the tree. The brown-gray color of the burlap-like fibers cover the trunk like a wool covering in winter, and the dark color attracts the warmth of the sunlight. A coarse green wax covers the leaves and stems to make the Windmill Palm tree even more cold hardy.

The Windmill Palm tree is most often grown as a solitary, single trunk plant, however, some Windmill Palm nursery growers offer double or triple trees growing in the same container as large as 100 gallons. These huge 10 foot tall Windmill Palm trees are choice, tropical looking specimens for malls and at entrances to governmental buildings. The Windmill Palm tree can be easily shipped by UPS on short orders, and large Windmill Palm trees can be shipped by semi-truck, motor freight lines. Shipping Windmill Palm trees can be easily done any season, and the survival rate is excellent for large specimens. Very large specimens of Windmill Palm trees have been recently installed at the entrance of the new Cloister Resort Hotel-a 5-star hotel-located at Sea Island, Georgia, where the Windmill Palm tree is not only tropical in appearance and cold hardy, but completely resistant to the Atlantic Ocean salt water air problems. The Cloister hotel has grown smaller Windmill Palm trees at various out buildings for past years successfully. The expense of installing large Windmill Palm trees can be offset by planting small specimens that can be expected to grow about one foot each year. Because of the recent success of planting large specimen trees of the tropical looking Windmill Palm tree in Canada and Northern U.S. States, many gardeners are now experimenting with planting small Windmill Palm trees in the North, before the plant has developed a sufficient dense fiber covering to make the tree cold hardy enough to survive the deep freezes in the Northern States.
Typically the Windmill Palm tree has a history of surviving over 150 years of age in the Western World at a height of 40 feet, but accurate reports of Windmill Palm trees, native to the Island of Chusan in Eastern China, do not exist in translated texts, but conceivably could reach 100 feet in height. The rapid growth of Western influence on the development of China will undoubtedly reveal many more interesting botanical, developmental facts concerning the Windmill Palm tree in the near future.

The Windmill Palm tree appears to have all the perfection of tropical landscape gardening requirements for growing throughout the United States and cold hardy areas of Canada and Europe. Most types of soils are acceptable for growing Windmill Palms. Very few insect and disease problems exist to endanger growing Windmill Fan Palm trees. Even through slow growing, the Windmill Palm captivates the tropically minded gardener for pool and courtyard plantings. The Windmill Palm tree grows as separate male and female plants, and the date that is produced is inedible, resulting from the yellow, pleasantly, perfumed flowers that grow into blue seed, round and one-half inch in diameter.

Other cold hardy palm trees that are especially adapted for growing in the United States are the Needle (Raptor) Palm, Rhapidophyllum histrix; the Dwarf Palmetto Palm tree, Sabal minor; and the Saw Fan Palmetto palm tree, Serenoa repens.

How to care for Palm Trees

by Glory Lennon

Palms evoke an image of paradise. Those feathery fronds softly waving about in the salty sea air makes you forget you don't live in the tropics. Unfortunately, we northerners only see them when we travel south and that's not nearly often enough. But we can have them year round even if we live in snowbound regions. Palms are easy to grow whether out in your sunny tropical or subtropical landscape or in containers indoors in cold winter areas. With that in mind let us go over how to care for Palms.

In general Palms like to spend the first years of their lives in a shaded, protected place. This is true for those growing in or out of doors. While some Palms like full sun they all tolerate a good deal of shade. This is what makes many of them such good candidates for indoor living. Placing your Palm in a dark corner in your home, however, is not a good idea. They will do better in bright, indirect light.

All Palms have varying growth rates, of course, but when potted even the moderately fast growers tend to slow down. Make certain the palm is planted in good potting soil and with adequate drainage. The pot should not be much bigger than the plant itself. This guarantees the plant will grow slowly. With indoor temperatures usually higher than 60 degrees F, fertilizing potted Palms is advisable. Washing the leaves often to remove accumulated dust and to provide a bit of humidity is also good. Where possible setting a bowl of water nearby also provides constant moisture to the surrounding air. Not only is that good for Palms but during winter when the indoor air is dreadfully dry it will make your breathing easier too and help your home retain its heat more efficiently.

The best Palms for indoor horticulture, those that tolerate a good bit of shade and can live a few decades potted without much trouble are Howea Forsterana ( Paradise Palm), Rhapis Excelsa (Lady Palm), Chamaedorea Elegans ( Parlor Palm). For temporary indoor Palms, those that will exceed ceiling heights eventually but still make nice indoor plants in the first few years, try Phoenix, Washingtonia, Chamaerops.

Caring for Palms growing outside in the sunshine is just as easy. First, choosing the right variety of Palm for your yard is the best thing you can do to prevent trouble later on. Knowing the height of the Palm when mature is always a good idea if planting it near your house. While young Palms look great for several years some do get big, at times too big for your yard or where you place it. Choosing wisely and good placement gives everyone room to grow without much hassle.

For instance, the Coconut Palm is a beautiful specimen but for the home landscape in hurricane prone regions where the Coconuts can easily become missiles causing serious damage, it might not be too welcome to you or your neighbors. Young Palms, being small enough to place as under-story plants or in front of windows as you would shrubs can fool you into thinking they will remain like that. Trust me, they won't and then you'll have to either move it, live with it as an inconvenience or lose it.

As for planting a Palm, good rich soil amended with compost will keep it growing happily. A planting hole for a Palm should be only as deep as its root-ball but 1-2 feet wider. Make certain you water it religiously until well established. Providing a bit of shade wouldn't be bad either just to keep it from drying out. Frequently spraying the palm leaves with the hose is advisable for dislodging insects, cleaning off foliage and providing humidity. After that you'll have nothing to do but admire your Palm. They don't require much maintenance after that except for some cultivars where they don't shed their leaves cleanly. You might have to cut them off or trim the leaf base to keep the trunk looking neat.

Now that you have your Palm and paradise in your own garden, sit back, relax, grab that fruity, umbrella drink and sing along with Kenny Chesney. He likes Palm trees too I hear.

Learn more about Glory Lennon.

Glory's Garden  

Cold Hardy Palm Trees - species and the regions where they grow

Palm trees were once thought to be suitable for planting only in tropical landscapes, however, several cold hardy palm trees occur naturally, growing in America, where snows fall during winter. Well known cold hardy palm trees are:

• Windmill palm tree - Trachycarpus Fortunei
• Dwarf Palmetto palm tree - Sabal Minor
• Saw Palmetto palm tree - Serenoa Repens
• Sabal Palm tree - Sabal Palmetto
• Needle Palm  tree - Rhapidophyllum Hystrix

Much of the information that is published in book from, magazine articles and Internet websites is extremely conservative, perhaps because the testing for national cold hardiness is of a recent origin; and also temperature fluctuations caused by global warming increases the survival rate of palm tree plantings in recent years. Try buying a few palm trees in your garden to plant and grow. Very large specimen palm trees can be purchased for semi-truck fast delivery at a few Internet nursery websites.


The Windmill palm tree - Trachycarpus Fortunei

also is called a Chusan palm and a Chinese Windmill palm tree, was imported from Japan, perhaps first, into the United States, but most botanists believe that this palm tree originated in China, where many seed and specimen trees were purchased to import into the US. Windmill palm trees are a common landscape sight throughout Europe, the United States, and Canada. These Windmill palm trees are very cold hardy, and can be see flourishing along the city streets of Lake Lucerne, Switzerland, where the palms grow up to 40ft in height. The slender, graceful trunks are covered with brown-black fibers that appear as hair from a distance, and with aging, the fibers turn gray, and on large old trees the fibers fall off to reveal a slick beautiful trunk. The waxy leaves are bright green above and silver-green below; growing 2 feet long and 2 feet wide, smaller than most other palm trees. Windmill palm trees grow a flower stalk 2 feet long, with yellow, pleasantly aromatic flowers developing into ½" long blue fruits.


Windmill palm trees, Trachycarpus fortunei, are so cold hardy that semi-truck loads of large specimen sized trees have been nursery distributed for customers in Canada who wish to buy a palm to place in a tropical landscape design. The famous Cloister Hotel at Sea Island, Georgia plants grouping of large Windmill palms, some 20-30 feet for planting near entrances and landscape positions close to buildings. Windmill palms are tolerant of salt water spray and are very adaptable for planting and growing in most areas of the United States.


The Dwarf Palmetto palm tree - Sabal Minor

is not a fast growing plant, and gorws abundantly in pine tree forests, and in poorly drained lowlands. Innumerable colonies of dwarf palmetto palm grow next to the highway between Albany, Georgia and Blakely, Georgia on swampland, that is under water periodically, and the dwarf palmetto palms grow in very heavy shade. Native to the Southeastern US, this palm grows small trunks that remain hidden behind the leaves. The flower stalk grows four to six feet, and white flowers grow into one-half inch, black fruit. This extremely adaptable palm tree is drought tolerant, and popularly is grown as a native, landscape specimen shrub or in rows as a privacy screen. This dwarf palmetto grows beautiful, pest resistant leaves, and can be seen growing as a salt water resistant plant in large landscape borders of Sea Island, Georgia, where land purchasers value the natural appearance and incorporate the plant into landscape designs.


Saw Palmetto palm tree - Serenoa Repens

is one of the native Southeastern plants that has become the rage for planting as a cold hardy palm in Northern States, where it can survive temperatures of -10 F. The beautiful blue or green colored leaves are shiny and waxy, growing about five feet long. The flower stalk grows 3 feet long and appears in the heat of the summer, covered with white flowers that form blue fruit one inch in diameter. The saw palmetto palm tree is very adaptable for cold hardy growing in Northerne states, where temperature extremes damage most other palms. These palm trees are grown mostly as clumping shrubs in naturalistic landscapes. You should buy large Saw palmetto palms, as they do not transplant well and should be planted and grown from a container plant nursery. Very exotic trunks form on century old Saw palmetto palms, that can be seen growing on the sand dunes next to salt water waves spraying the leaves at Sea Island, Georgia. Trunks on these trees had the lower leaves removed to reveal trunks 4ft long that can grow parallel to the ground or at right angels or twisted. All palm tree trunks obviously shaped by storms or hurricanes, that may have blown over the plants rooted in the sand, only to regrow at a different angle. These palm trees must be seen to appreciate a dune of sand landscaped properly.


The Cabbage palm tree - Sabal Palmetto

is also called the Sabal Palm, and is believed to be the most commonly planted palm tree in the Southern US. This palm tree is native to that area, and grows in forests throughout Florida and coastal Georgia. The Cabbage palm tree can grow to 40 feet, but only grows about one foot per year. Upon aging, the lower leaf stem remains (petioles) attached for many years, giving the trunk a bazaar, forbidding appearance. After many years, the leaf remains can be removed artificially, or naturally, giving the trunk a slick, desirable look in the landscape. During hot weather, white flowers grow fast, to 6 feet long, to produce one-half inch black fruit that fall to the ground. Sabal palm trees grow as far North as coastal Virginia, and Carolina landscapes, and are cold hardy to below zero temperatures. This Cabbage palm is drought resistant, requires little care or growth maintenance when planted in the landscape, and is so salt water tolerant, it can be found growing along the sea coast, sometimes falling into the ocean with sea erosion.

Sabal palm trees are considered as the State tree in Florida and South Carolina. Because Sable palm tree roots do not branch like other palms, transplanting the tree can be difficult unless the leaves are all removed before transplanting into home landscapes, and since they are not fast growing, it is not unusual for the palm tree to require 3 to 4 years to regrow the canopy leaves to normal size. The cabbage palm is also susceptible to hurricane damage, because its roots are not largely branched like other palm trees to anchor the trunk into the earth.


The Needle Palm tree - Rhapidophyllum Histrix

is native to the Southeastern United States, and is considered to be one of the most cold hardy palm trees growing in the United States. Buyers find it difficult to purchase this palm tree, because it has been removed from most of the forests, where it is not a fast growing palm tree. Large trunks up to 4 feet tall are rare, and very expensive, costing each thousands of dollars. But, this needle palm has survived minus 10 degrees F at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden in New York for many years, unaffected by the snow and cold temperatures. The leaves are two feet long and 4 feet wide, and the trunk is dangerously armed with white, sharp, 5 inch needles, easily being detached from the trunk, with the overall appearance like that of a porcupine. Even though the needle palm trees hundred of years old are expensive, it is possible to buy smaller plants at reasonable prices for fast shipment at many Internet nursery websites.

Growing Palms

Everybody recognises palm trees, they are the universal symbol for the tropics but many are hardy enough for our temperate climate gardens. Until recently New Zealand gardeners have had only a very limited range of palms to choose from. In the last five years the range has grown enormously as nurseries have been encouraged by gardeners eager to experiment.

Nevertheless, palms are, on the whole, slightly tender plants. Those that will tolerate regular frosts of -6°C. or more are few in number. If your minimum temperature does not drop below -2°C or if you are in a frost free area the range of suitable plants increases considerably.

There are two main styles of palms; the fan and the feather. The names refer to the layout of the fronds. Fan palms have the leaflets of the frond arranged just like a hand operated fan. The most widely grown fan palm is Trachycarpus fortunei, the Chinese Fan Palm. Feather palms have the leaflets of their fronds arranged along a rigid midrib like a bird's feather. The most commonly grown feather palm is Phoenix canariensis, the Canary Island Date Palm.

Palms are extremely important plants to the world's economy. The true date palm or commerce, Phoenix dactylifera, is rarely seen in New Zealand but is the most common commercially grown palm. The coconut, Cocos nucifera, is not far behind. Possibly more significant than fruit crops is the use of palms for shelter. Virtually every tropical third world village relies on palms as a roofing material.

Siting

Although palms are associated with sun and sand most species appreciate light shade when young. Shelter from wind is important if the fronds are to look their best but as the plants eventually become quite large they will eventually have to tolerate exposure to sun and wind.

When siting a palm remember to take into account the spread of the crown. This is not so significant with a mature plant as the crown is usually well above most obstructions. The problem is adolescent plants, which tend to have much the same spread as adults without the height. They take up a considerable area until the trunk begins to develop.

Soil conditions

Palms generally do best in a rich, moist well-drained soil. They have fairly strong roots that anchor them firmly. The roots of many palms can withstand a considerable amount of abuse, which enables the trees to be safely transplanted at almost any size.

Climate adaptability

Many palms are frost tender but there are quite a few that tolerate reasonably tough frosts. The best known are Phoenix canariensis and Trachycarpus fortunei but you should also consider Jubaea chilensis, Chamaerops humilis, Butia capitata, Washingtonia robusta and Brahea armata.

Palms often grow well in coastal conditions but benefit from occasional wash downs to remove any salt spray deposits.

Container growing

Palms often make superb container plants, both indoors and outdoors. Many are undemanding and tolerant of neglect. In cold areas it's often best to keep young palms in containers until well established. That way they can be moved under cover for winter. Once they have a spread of over 1.5 m or so they should be hardy enough to plant out but if it's not inconvenient it's better to wait as long as possible.

Propagation

Palms are nearly always propagated by seed. They usually have only one growing point so vegetative propagation is not practical. Occasionally suckers form at the base of established plants and may be carefully removed for growing on but this is not a reliable method of propagation.

Palm seed varies greatly in its ease of germination. The most common problem is very hard seed coats. No amount of scarification or soaking will soften the toughest of them. Sometimes acid treatment is resorted to but patience is the usual method. Some, such as Butia capitata, may take upwards of a year in the soil before germination but eventually with the right combination of moisture, temperature and time they sprout.

Pests and diseases

Palms are not prone to any unusual pests or diseases. Frost damage is far more likely to the biggest problem.

Palm selection

Do not expect to find all of the species at your local garden centre; many of these palms are only available as seed. Unless otherwise stated all of these palms have panicles of small yellow flowers.

Archontophoenix

The King Palm (Archontophoenix alexandrae) is a prominent feature in many tropical and sub-tropical areas but it is too tender for all but the very far north. Archontophoenix cunninghamiana is a better bet but it still requires a near frost free climate with warm summers. It is a feather palm with long arching frond. It can reach 20 m high but rarely exceeds 7 m in New Zealand gardens. The flowers are followed by masses of small red berry-like fruit. Archontophoenix cunninghamiana may be grown indoors but it needs high light and humidity levels. The seeds germinate easily.

Arecastrum-see Syagrus

Arenga

Two species of this genera are suitable for growing outdoors in mild areas. Both are feather palms with broad leaves that have silvery undersides. Arenga pinnata requires near frost free conditions but Arenga engleri from Taiwan will tolerate infrequent light frosts. Both species have interesting flowering habits and fruit. Arenga pinnata is monocarpic; it dies after flowering although it takes at least ten years to reach maturity. Arenga engleri survives to flower again but the leaf stem beside the flower stalk dies. Both species have fruit with extremely caustic pulp. Both species are unlikely to exceed 3.5 m high under New Zealand conditions but Arenga pinnata may reach 18 m high in its native South East Asian region. Arenga pinnata seed germinates quickly and easily but Arenga engleri is erratic and may take several months to sprout. Not usually grown indoors.

Blue Palm-see Brahea

Brahea

These fan palms are becoming more common in New Zealand gardens. Both of the common species Mexican Blue Palm (Brahea armata) and Guadeloupe Palm (Brahea edulis), are reasonably hardy and adaptable plants. B. armata has beautiful, finely divided glaucous fronds. It is the hardier of the two and will withstand -8°C once established. It has a stocky trunk for many years but may eventually reach 12 m high. Brahea edulis is tender when young but withstands -6°C once the trunk is over 10-15 cm diameter. It grows slowly to about 15 m high. Both species are tolerant of drought and low humidity. Brahea armata has 12 mm diameter brown fruit, while Brahea edulis has edible 18 mm diameter blackish fruit. Grow in full sun. The germination of Brahea armata seed is very erratic and may take up to year. Brahea edulis is less tricky but still not very reliable. High light requirements make Brahea unsuitable for indoor cultivation.

Butia

The Yatay, Pindo Palm or Jelly Palm (Butia capitata) from Brazil is a hardy feather palm with long drooping olive to bluish green fronds. It will withstand -10°C once established and deserves to be more extensively grown. It grows to about 7 m high. The flowers are followed by yellow to red 25 mm diameter pulpy fruit. Grow in full sun. Seed germination is highly variable, it is unlikely to take less than two months and may be a year or more. High light requirements mean this palm is not very suitable for growing indoors.

California palm-see Washingtonia

Canary Island date palm-see Phoenix

Caryota

The Fishtail Palm (Caryota mitis) is often grown as a house plant and is unlikely to grow well outdoors except in the very far north. Caryota urens has slightly lower heat requirements but will not tolerate any frost. It has very dark green, slightly arching fronds. All Caryota palms have intricately cut bipinnate feather fronds. Most species grow to large sizes (over 18 m high) in the tropics but are unlikely to exceed 8 m high under New Zealand conditions. They have fruit with caustic pulp that should not be handled with bare hands. The seed germinates easily. Caryota palms grow well indoors but prefer warmth and high humidity.

Chamaerops

The Mediterranean Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis) is a bushy fan palm that is usually multi-trunked and will not exceed 6 m high. The trunks take many years to form and are seldom seen in gardens. Most plants grow to about 1.5 m high x 5 m wide. The fronds are tipped with sharp spines. It is a very hardy palm that tolerates -15°C. Tolerant of low humidity and drought. Grow in full sun. The seed germinate well and takes about six weeks to sprout. High light requirements and sharp spines make it unsuitable for indoor use.

Chilean wine palm-see Jubaea

Chinese fan palm-see Trachycarpus

Cocos

The Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera) is one the most important commercial crops. It is essentially a tropical palm but will grow outdoors in frost free areas of the far north. It is a large feather palm that often develops a leaning trunk. It may grow to 30 m high in the tropics but rarely exceeds 8 m in gardens. The fruit seldom will not develop to its normal size in our climate but becomes large enough to be a conversation piece. Coconuts germinate well but take at least three months to sprout. They need consistent warmth and the whole nut must be planted, do not strip away the husk. May be grown indoors but resents cold draughts.

Date palm-see Phoenix

Euterpe

Although primarily a tropical plant the Assai Palm (Euterpe edulis) will grow outdoors in frost free areas with warm summers. It is a feather palm with arching fronds and graceful drooping leaflets. The trunk is improbably slim fro the size of the foliage head and may grow to 25 m high although it is unlikely to exceed 10 m high under New Zealand conditions. The fruit is black and about 12 mm diameter. The seeds germinate easily. May be grown indoors when young.

Fishtail palm-see Caryota

Howea

Very popular indoors but capable of growing outdoors in frost free areas, these palms were formerly classified as Kentia and are still widely known by that name. Two species, Howea belmoreana and Howea forsterana, are grown. Both are natives of Lord Howe Island. They are feather palms with deep green gracefully arching fronds and narrow trunks. Howea belmoreana grows to about 7 m high and Howea forsterana about 15 m high but both are unlikely to reach these sizes in New Zealand gardens. They have brown olive sized fruit that takes two years to ripen. Only very fresh seed will germinate and even then it is erratic. Both species need shade when young, which is why they perform well indoors.

Jubaea

The Chilean Wine Palm (Jubaea chilensis) is a hardy (-8°C) feather palm that should be more widely grown. It has deep green arching fronds and a very distinctive trunk. The trunk becomes greatly enlarged, rather like a baobab tree, so that when mature it may be up 2 m diameter. Within the trunk is a large reserve of sap, which may be tapped and fermented into an alcoholic drink, hence the name Wine Palm. This palm can grow to 20 m high or more but it takes many years to get above 10 m high. The 40 mm diameter fruit is yellow and the seed it contains germinates easily but takes about four months to sprout. May be grown indoors but has high light requirements.

Kentia-see Howea

Lady palm-see Rhapis

Livistona

These fan palms are native to South East Asia and Australia. Two species, Livistona australis and Livistona chinensis, are suitable for growing outdoors in mild areas. They are very similar to one another. Both have deep green spiny fronds with leaflets that droop and fray at the tips. They have quite solidly built trunks that grow to about 12-15 m high. Under New Zealand conditions it takes many years for them to reach 10 m high. Both species are hardy to about -5°C when well-established. Livistona australis has 18 mm diameter reddish fruit and Livistona chinensis has 25 mm diameter green fruit. The seed of both species germinates easily and quickly. May be grown as house plants but they have high light requirements.

Nikau-see Rhopalostylis

Palmetto-see Sabal

Phoenix

The Canary Island Date Palm is by far the most common feather palm grown in New Zealand gardens. It has deep green arching fronds and a trunk studded with bases of old fronds. When young, the trunk tends to be quite bulbous but as it gains height it becomes more tree-like. A mature tree may be up to 18 m high and have a very solid trunk. The fruit is about 40 mm diameter and yellowish orange. Phoenix dactylifera is the true 'Date Palm' of commerce that is such a well-known symbol of North Africa and the Middle East. It has shorter fronds in a less dense head than Phoenix canariensis. It is much taller when mature, up to 25 m high. Both Phoenix canariensis and Phoenix dactylifera will withstand -8°C when established but should not be exposed to hard frosts until the have a short trunk. Phoenix dactylifera needs hot summers to grow well and is unlikely to produce edible dates in a cool summer climate.

A third species, the Pygmy Date Palm (Phoenix roebelinii) is considerably less hardy but it can be grown outdoors in frost free areas. It is frequently used as a container plant as it only grows to about 3 m high. There are several other species that would be suitable for growing in New Zealand gardens but they are rarely seen . Among those most likely to do well are Phoenix loureiri, Phoenix rupicola and Phoenix sylvestris. All Phoenix palm seeds germinates quickly and easily. All species make excellent house plants when young.

Queen palm-see Syagrus.

Rhapidophyllum

The Needle Palm (Rhapidophyllum hystrix) is native to the south eastern United States. It is a hardy fan palm that remains low growing and bushy. The olive green fronds have sharp spines on the petioles and the tips of the leaflets are also sharp. It grows into a multi-trunked clump about 1.5 m high x 4 m wide. Makes a vicious, nearly impenetrable hedge. It is hardy to about -12°C but requires constant warm summer temperatures to grow well. Has 18 mm long green oval fruit, the seeds from which germinate erratically. Grow in full sun. Its spines make it unsuitable as a house plant.

Rhapis

The Lady palms are multi-trunked fan palms that are hardy to about -3°C when established but require warm summers to grow well. Two very similar species are grown, Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa) and Slender Lady Palm (Rhapis humilis). They have small fronds on fibre covered bamboo-like canes. They form dense bushy clumps to about 4 m high with foliage to ground level. Rhapis excelsa has 12 mm diameter green fruit and grows quickly and easily from seed. Rhapis humilis does not produce seed and may not be a true species. It is grown from basal suckers. Both species are excellent house plants that tolerate low light levels and neglect.

Rhopalostylis

This genus is most commonly represented in gardens by our only native palm, the Nikau (Rhopalostylis sapida), but also includes Rhopalostylis baueri, which is a similar species from Norfolk Island. Sometimes known as Shaving Brush palms because of the prominent bulge beneath the foliage head both species are elegant feather palms that grow to about 8 m high under garden conditions although Rhopalostylis baueri can reach 15 m high or more in the wild. Both species tolerate only light frosts. Rhopalostylis sapida grows well in cool climates provided they are nearly frost free but Rhopalostylis baueri needs steady summer warmth. Both species have 18 mm diameter red fruit. Seed germinates reliably but may take over three months to sprout. Seedlings are slow growing and need shade. Good house plants when young.

Sabal

The Palmetto palms are native to the southeastern United States and Mexico. They are fan palms and often have large fronds. Two species are readily available. Sabal minor and Sabal palmetto. They are among the smaller species: Sabal minor is a bushy, often multi-trunked and grows to about 3.5 m high while Sabal palmetto is more tree-like but rarely exceeds 7 m high. S. minor has glaucous fronds. Both species are hardy to about -6°C once established and both have 12 mm diameter black fruit. The seed germinates quickly and easily. There are several other species worthy of trying but they are seldom available. Of these Sabal domingensis is the most distinctive as it can grow to 25 m high. Sabal mexicana and Sabal uresana are also tree sized. S. uresana has silver grey fronds and is very drought tolerant. These palms have high light requirements and are unlikely to be good house plants except for conservatories.

Seranoa

The Saw Palmetto (Seranoa repens) is bushy fan palm native to Florida. It grows into a clump about 2.5 m high x 4 m wide, often multi-trunked. The fronds are silvery grey to glaucous with sharp tipped leaflets. Hardy to about -4°C. Grow in full sun. The fruit is oval, about 18 mm long and black. The seed germinates well but may take a few months to sprout. Can also be grown from suckers. High light requirements would probably limit this species as a house plant.

Syagrus

The Queen Palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana [syn. Arecastrum romanzoffiana]), is frequently seen as a street tree in tropical and sub-tropical cities. This Brazilian native has very long finely divided arching plumose fronds that move in the slightest breeze. It has a slender trunk that can reach 18 m high but is unlikely to exceed 10 m under New Zealand conditions. Hardy to -5°C when mature but needs protection from frosts until about 1.5 m high with a good crown. Also needs warm summers to grow well. Has yellow fruit about 25 mm in diameter and 18 mm long seeds that germinate quickly and easily. It makes a good house plant when young but needs bright light and humidity.

Trachycarpus

The Chinese Fan Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) is probably the hardiest of the tree-like palms. It will tolerate -12°C from a young age. The fronds are deep green and quite luxuriant on young plants grown in the shade but they rapidly deteriorate in full sun and strong wind. The trunk is covered in fibre and the bases of old fronds and may be up to 12 m high. The small 12 mm diameter grape-like fruit is bluish with a grey bloom. The seed germinates quickly and easily. As this palm prefers shade when young it makes a good house plant when young. There are other species worth growing, such as the very dwarf Trachycarpus nanus, but they are seldom available.

Washingtonia

These palms are synonymous with Southern California. They are fan palms with very straight trunks. Two species are grown, one Californian (Washingtonia filifera) and the other Mexican (Washingtonia robusta). Washingtonia filifera can grow to 20 m high and is quite stocky. Washingtonia robusta, which is sometimes called Sky Duster, has a very narrow trunk and may reach 30 m high or more. Under New Zealand conditions they are slow growing and unlikely to reach such impressive dimensions. The fronds have long petioles for fan palms. Both species will survive -6°C once established but need summer heat to grow well. Both have 18 mm diameter fruit that is reddish green when ripe. Both species appreciate light shade when young. The seed germinates quickly and easily. May be grown as house plants until too large to remain inside.

Guide to Growing Palm Trees

Palm trees are popular in gardens all over the world. Some species are considered fast growing. These grow faster than many other species. In fast growing trees, the trunk quickly becomes tall. This may be important if you want a tall line of trees around your property in a shorter amount of time.The climate affects the growth of most types of trees. Some need continually warm weather. This equates to faster growth in some species. Others grow well in slightly cooler areas, and can even with stand frost. It's important to find out the requirements when choosing the best plants for your garden.

Types of Palm Trees

The King Palm is a quick growing tree. They are a good choice if you want a canopy of trees. This palm likes rich soil with ample nutrients and needs plenty of water. They can grow twenty five feet in ten years, with good care. The maximum height they reach is about forty feet. They grow faster in full sun.

Queen Palms are the most common species of tree. These grow about twenty five feet in seven to ten years. They can reach heights of up to sixty feet at maturity. Queen palms need good soil and lots of water. They are hardy in colder weather.

Majesty Palms are fast growing palm trees. They grow about ten feet in ten years. They often reach thirty five feet within twenty years. This species needs plenty of water and soil that is rich in magnesium. They do well in sun for part of the day. Majesties don't do well too near the ocean. There is too much salt in the air.

Royal Palms are moderately fast growing. They will grow twenty feet in ten years with good care. This species needs soil rich in nutrients, water and plenty of sun. They grow a fat trunk base and then grow tall. This species does not do well in temperatures below twenty six degrees Fahrenheit.

Fishtail Palms are a common and fast growing species. They reach thirty feet tall in about seven years. At maturity, they can reach over sixty feet tall. The trunk diameter of this species is about twenty four inches. Fishtails need rich soil and plenty of water.

King Kong or Black Trunk Palms are fast growing trees. They get wide before they get tall. They can reach up to eighty feet tall and grow large, horizontal leaves. This is one of the wider species in terms of trunk diameter.


Growing Palm Trees - what to know about ?

Consider the needs of the species before you plant it. The temperature range needed varies by species. Some do better in consistently warm climates. Others do well in slightly cooler areas. A few can survive frost, while others will die. Make sure the species you choose is hardy in the climate where you live.

Ask about the day length of each species. This need varies by species, so ask at the nursery. The tree will need enough to promote growth and prepare for changes with the seasons. Some need a lot of sun, while others do better in partial sun. The heat needs vary according to species as well. Find out the heat and sun tolerances of the species when shopping for trees.

How much water does the species need? Some need a lot more water than others. If you choose a species with a high water requirement, make sure you can meet those needs. If you don't get much rain, you will need to be sure to water it frequently.

The pH range needed varies by species as well. Find out the proper pH for your species to take up water and nutrients. You may be able to add nutrients to balance this range as needed. The nursery will be able to help you with this.

Read about planting palm tree in "Windmill Palm Tree - Planting and Growing" article.

Growing Palm Trees at Home

Depending on where you may live there is usually a way to grow palm trees. While it may be a bit of work, the reality is that unless you're very far north, palms can be grown in all kinds of climates.If you live in a more northern or seasonal climate you may have already written them off as something you simply can't have. You can and while they will take a bit of extra effort to get started, once you've done so, they will literally take over and grow themselves with very little effort from you.

Palm trees are generally seen as tall, stately and graceful items that won't grow without sunshine, hot weather, and sea air. While that may be the vision that you have of them, the reality is that some palms are quite hardy and you're going to be a resounding success growing them in a cooler climate.

The Dwarf Sugar palm will grow to be about fifteen feet tall and will grow in temperatures of under 20 degrees, although not much lower. That's a very hardy palm since most begin to take exception to the weather when they get below 60 Fahrenheit.

The Bismarck Palm will grow equally well in climates of about 15 Celsius down to 20 Fahrenheit, while the Chinese palm doesn't take kindly to hot weather at all and should ideally be grown in a climate such as the cooler ones.

Those are just a few of the cooler climate palms. Many palms can survive, even thrill to weather that remains below fifty, while if you live in a subtropical climate, or a very hot and arid environment, there are palms which are equally well suited to those.

Palm trees are literally the idea tree. They only rarely lose their leaves, they don't take a whole lot of trimming or other fussing around to look good and they require minimal maintenance other than to assure that they get adequate water in times when rain is scarce.

Simply plucking off the dead fronds of the palm will keep them quite lovely and if you water them each week to assure that they have adequate, you're going to be just about perfect with your care of them.

You can actually grow palm trees from seed although not too many people are aware of this. The fact is that its generally a lot faster and nearly as cheap to grow them from seedlings that you buy. Some types of palm trees will take as long as two years for their seeds to germinate and send anything upward. That seems like rather a long time when you can merely purchase one for a nominal cost and set it into the garden ready to go.

Read the best way how to plant your palm tree on "Windmill palm tree planting and growing" article.