Feather Palm UK Winter Damage Update - Phoenix, Butia & Jubaea Chilensis

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Just a quick unplanned video this time as although I’m feeling better, it’s unfortunately now Harriet’s turn to be unwell and a couple of DIY jobs have reared their heads! I’ve got loads of interesting videos planned for this spring and beyond though and will continue to do the best that my sleep and free time allow! Thanks for all the support as always and hopefully we’ll have some genuine spring weather very soon… 🤞

[@Knobblytyressoggysocks]

We had snow last night in Suffolk - thankfully everything is ok.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Pleased to hear it, I hope you don’t get much more!

[@mltthorn]

Love the singing bird intro.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you Michelle. I'm keen to get a bit more atmosphere and outside world into my videos going forwards!

[@PaulConnor100]

Great advice as usual George, sorry to hear some of your plants died .I have been quite lucky with my Tree fern only slight leaf damage but then again Its wrapped up better than me for winter 😂

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Paul and it’s part of it when you get these kind of temperatures unfortunately, the worst cold spell didn’t come at a good time for me but I did what I could. I hope your tree fern comes through OK, I’m sure it will with your TLC!

[@irossYVR]

Good to see you George! We wrapped and heated our Chilean Wine Palm and our Pindo Palm (with incandescent Xmas lights) and they survived a similar winter to yours here in Vancouver BC. Planning to unwrap next week as we are now above 5 degrees at night!

[@jaminns3801]

I was just about to comment on this, I’ve seen quite a few videos of Americans & Canadians using incandescent lights wrapped round the palms to give a small amount of heat under the wrap. George do you think this would be worth doing in U.K. winters????? I’ve seen a few vids like that but none U.K.

[@irossYVR]

I also use plumbing heat tracing around the trunk that switches on at 3 degrees C (wrapped around the trunk from the ground to just below the crown). I wrap the Xmas lights in and around the crown, and using an outdoor temp sensor, i can see that keeps the crown at about 12 degrees C

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Iain! Great to hear you’ve had success with heating them - if I lived in a colder climate that’s potentially what I’d do. Hopefully the palms are back to basking in some warm sun very soon! 😃

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi @Jam Inns, yes, trace heating, using incandescent lights etc all work great but in all honesty my philosophy is to generally grow what ‘should’ be hardy here most winters. I completely respect people who really push the limits of what they’re growing but I’d like to think I’m probably a painfully optimistic realist, mostly growing what should survive but with a few chancers mixed in! If it was an apocalyptic winter forecast I’d do everything I possibly could but in a ‘normal’ cold winter I’d personally like to limit the amount of plants that need heat and special structures to make it through. Maybe in the future I’ll really try to push things but right now the focus is on hardy exotics with a few experiments 😃

[@tropicalpdx1341]

We had a very similar winter over here in the Pacific Northwest. Whatever hit the UK, hit us within the following 1-2 weeks. Lots of damage this year, but at my location we had very high speed, dessicating winds which helped to compound the damage. I can say that in North America there is no doubt Butia odorata/eriospatha are hardier than CIDP. The argument is usually over which is hardier Jubaea or Butia, which all depends on your location (SE vs NW). Good luck with your palms.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks and sorry to hear of your cold spells. I used to think it was the same here, whatever you get, we get a couple of weeks after but I suppose ultimately we're both liable to be affected by polar patterns etc. The wind can definitely make things tougher plus harder to protect plants too, luckily we didn't have any of that. The CIDP comparative hardiness was no surprise but over here the general consensus is that Jubaea are tougher than Butia. I suspect that might be partly down to our cooler summers though. The Butia never really get into their growing stride like they do in your summers so damage one winter is compounded by the next whereas the extra degree or two of toughness the Jubaea have keeps them growing slow and steady. Thanks and good luck with your plants too!

[@tropicalpdx1341]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden Thanks George. A big Jubaea is the real "hole" in my garden. I've been reluctant to buy one as they are about 2-3X the price of a Butia when small, and rise exponentially with size. But as some point I'll have to break down and get one.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

@@tropicalpdx1341 I get that, they're definitely one of those feature plants with a real wow factor when they size up. They'll be cheaper this year than in five years time I'm sure!

[@tropicalpdx1341]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden Point taken. You're wise beyond your years George!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

@@tropicalpdx1341 Haha I don't know about that, just desperate to live through other people's exciting palm purchases going forwards!

[@NR19770]

Hi George hope all is well, the weather has taken many of our loved plants and trees I’ve lost a few of my cordylines and may have lost my 3 Musa Basjoos hope at least one will come back roll on the good weather!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Nick, I'm alright thanks and I hope you are too. It's a similar story here but I'm optimistic the basjoo will come back for both of us. Yes, bring it on indeed! Just a little bit of warm sun (and no freezing nights) would be very welcome!

[@newyorktropicalgarden9364]

Never enough Palm videos! Thank you for posting. I love my Jubaea Hybrid too

[@davidbanner9001]

I have been looking for a Jubaea hybrid for a couple of years. Just can't seem to source one anywhere?

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Haha yes, I do try to put out my fair share of palm vids! I’m excited to see the Jubutia develop!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

@David Banner - the place I got mine isn’t trading any more but if I see any I’ll post a reply comment to this thread 👍

[@newyorktropicalgarden9364]

@@davidbanner9001 I got mine from California and had it mailed to me in New York. A bit crazy but I was obsessed. And it's doing great . I should post a video on that one

[@giardinodialberi8751]

George, that is a very revealing video; thanks for the reality check on the chokers, as well as the kudos for the Jubaea. I uncovered an old 1996 book with some interesting advice, such as raise a palm with all the ideal conditions until it occupies a root-bound 5 gallon or 7 gallon pot, then and only then it's ready for planting outdoors. Just as you said in the video, a well-established plant will be hardier than a younger plant.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Giardino, whilst I have in my mind what is experimental and pushing it in my garden, I thought a bit of reality might help others going forwards. That's good advice about growing the palms on before planting but so much is about the kind of palm too I guess. A Trachycarpus can just be plonked in the ground here at pretty much any size but my Phoenix was in a 160lt pot and has still taken a lot of damage. I guess it's a case of applying best practice but still being aware of your location and the likely winter weather.

[@vincenzecalzone8666]

Great video George. Like you I've lost some small palms, jubaea seedlings,,butia seedling, livingstonia chinesis, and small cidp. My large potted CIDP is unharmed but it's been in place for 7 yrs. I didn't protect this or the butias odorata/eriospatha in the garden as our lows were -5°C due to the coast. Any lower and I would have bothered. This winter's been an eye opener mainly for the palm seedlings. I should have had the sense to protect my jubaea seedlings but you live and learn I suppose 🤣

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks as always and sorry to hear about your losses! With -5°C your Butia should definitely be fine but the younger palms can definitely be a lot less hardy. I've had my potted Jubaea out all winter but they're about 6/7 years old now with a bit of a base and hopefully up to the test - I didn't fleece them this week though so fingers crossed though. Hopefully the damage in the rest of your garden has been minimal!

[@vincenzecalzone8666]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden Thanks mate. It's not been too bad particularly when compared with others and their losses even much further south than the both of us

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

@@vincenzecalzone8666 You're completely right there. My garden looks rough after -7 and the long freezing spells but take that to -12 or -13 and things could definitely look a lot more grim. Spring-like weather will definitely be welcome for us all when it makes an appearance! I know you're dying to get those purple leaves back in the garden!

[@shineamenmbs3107]

Mon cher George, no reproach at all, but i have to say I couldn't share your enthusiasm about Phoenix canariensis at the time you planted it. Good news about the two others and Chamaedorea radicalis, very surprisng little man! Can't wait for Spring and the continuation of your adventures! All the best!💚

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you very much Bernard, Spring can’t come soon enough! I get you about the Phoenix but over here I guess our palm choices are a bit more limited and I think they have an exotic look. Hopefully it pulls through but if it doesn’t then that’s a great space for a more suitable replacement! All the best to you too!

[@missdimples1982]

Sorry you lost some, but I guess it's like you say of finding which ones will suit for your garden, which still looks amazing

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you very much! Yes, I guess it's an evolution over time. As long as the main plants are OK and I have something for summer, the unusual and half hardy plants are definitely experiments, sometimes they pay off and sometimes you learn tough lessons!

[@thegreenthumb6184]

I'm sorry that your cordylines didn't make it! It's been a rough year with all the cold blasts! Even some of my cold hardy plants have gotten damaged! This year we lost a lot of plants hardy to our zones plants in zone 6 that was good with protection died and plants in zone 5 died or suffered! I hope you have a great growing season for this spring coming up! Love your tropical gardens !

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks and I'm sorry to hear your plants have struggled too! It's definitely been a tricky one. Fingers crossed spring comes soon for us both and all the best with your gardening plans for this year!

[@thegreenthumb6184]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden thank you!

[@irismoles9369]

Thankyou George

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks for watching as always Iris!

[@darren9279]

Another great video George! Think Phoenix Canariensis is definitely one for coastal and certainly London. There is a thread on Palm Talk with photos of a huge number of very large Phoenix Canariensis in London

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Darren! You're completely right if these winters keep making an appearance. I've seen a lot of the pics from around London, they're definitely thriving in the more sheltered spots, some of them are real beauties!

[@darren9279]

@George’s Jungle Garden There certainly are some beauties in London! Have you seen the ones on Weymouth seafront? I was on holiday there 6 years ago and thought they were very impressive. Looking now on recent street view images you could be mistaken for being in Spain, they look beautiful. Also some mature Washingtonia robustas in Weymouth too.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

@@darren9279 I'm definitely jealous of the coastal ones down South yes, they look in great nick. I don't get down that way much personally but will have to make an effort to check out the palmage if ever I do!

[@alanhunter2009]

Sorry to hear about your date palms. Up here in Edinburgh in my local frost pocket, where there has been two separate weeks of continual white frost, my green Cordylines have succumed. I expect it every winter on the red variety but this is the first time for the greens. However, I expect they will regenerate from their bases later in the year. As you state, it is the lengthy periods of freezing temperatures that do the damage. Look forward to your forthcoming videos as always.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you Alan and sorry to hear about your damage too, it’s definitely been quite a cold modern winter that crept up on us. All of my younger cordylines got taken out too and even a lot of mature plants around here have brown new growth. It’s come at a bad time for me but at least with the bigger plants they should bounce back like you say. Bring on spring 😊

[@emmagunston446]

Sorry for your losses George, rubbish isn't it? My phoenix was much smaller than yours and is a gonner. My large phormium seems to be dead too. The joys of gardening eh? I'm praying for the tree ferns. Definitely praying we don't get the snow this week. Roll on Spring! Hope Harriet is on the mend very soon 💕

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you Emma, it’s definitely been a frustrating one! It’s been a challenging winter for a lot of younger ‘hardy’ plants like Cordylines and Phormiums here especially and like you I’m hoping I haven’t lost any of the tree ferns. The fronds look completely trashed but that’s to be expected with these temps. Thing’s definitely feel more positive with lighter evenings so hopefully it’ll be a pleasure to be back outside soon enough 😊

[@ThePalmDude]

Great video as always George! And i certainly agree mate, CIDP’s just aren’t that hardy for the majority of the UK, Butia & Jubaea are both much safer bets for the winters we have been experiencing. Sadly it was the prolonged period of temps into the -° in December than has done a lot of peoples plants / palms in because the day temps of 1°/ 2°c just werent enough to thaw anything out. Practically 2 weeks where i am in the west midlands were below freezing (day temps on max 1 or 2 degrees) and lows of -9°c in my garden according to the meter. I don’t believe i have any palm losses, the two oldest fronds on my BA are looking a brown and a mess but the others are looking just fine, Butia fine too. Fingers crossed come spring everything gets a move on again and i don’t find much has died. 🤙🏼👍🏼

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you very much and fingers crossed for us both this spring! You're completely right and the duration of the freezing temperatures was similar here. It's great to hear your palms appear to have coped well and it's definitely confirmed why Trachycarpus etc are such an easy choice and that we're not living in some alternative universe where the UK is practically Mediterranean! It's definitely easy to get sucked into a string of milder winters but ultimately I guess, we're all going to take chances and try to grow the unusual and improbable which is a lot of the fun (as long as every plant isn't a risk!). I hope everything comes through well for you!

[@fraserdavidson2366]

Always great to see a video from yourself George. Sorry to hear you have lost some plants. I may have lost my cordyline and yuka, only time will tell. Not sure how much more my fatsia japonica can take. Good thing is your recommendation on waggy palms has paid off as they look great and had no protection. I am up in Falkirk and we have hit those crazy minus figures. As always looking forward to seeing more of your videos. Many Thanks George.. Fraser.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Fraser and thank you. It's part of it when you're being a bit experimental unfortunately although I must admit I didn't expect the Cordylines to get taken out. I'm pleased to hear your Waggy palms have done well though! Fingers crossed we both get some warmer weather very soon and all the best with your spring gardening plans!

[@YorkshireKRIS]

Good update but sorry to see the damage on your CIDP. Hopefully the forecast snow won't be too bad this week.!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Kris! Yes, we definitely seem to have been hit hard considering the local temperatures but I guess that’s one of the issues of being more rural and the fog cover etc which didn’t help with the temperatures. Yes, fingers crossed! I hope you’ve not faired too badly!

[@gilliansmyth7167]

Hi George good to see you again looking forward to a new season. How are your doggies doing.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Gillian and thank you very much. They're doing well thanks, just as pesky as ever! Max definitely likes being inside and playing with balls, whereas Remi can run on walks for hours!

[@richard_ager]

Here in Sutton, SW London, no damage at all to either my Butia eriospathia or my two Jubaea chilensis palms. However, leaves have completely died off on my Cordyline australis "Torbay Dazzler" and "Red Star" respectively, but the trunks are still firm so I'm hopeful for new growth. My two Cordyline australis species (green leaves) trees haven't suffered any damage at all.

[@ARW.7]

My red star collapsed too, (I’m just north of Brighton). Trunk is solid though but leaves are pretty dead. Hoping for a shoot and might cut all the leaves back once this next cold snap is gone 🤞🏼

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Good to hear about your palms Richard. It definitely seems to have been a tricky year for Cordylines, a lot of my younger green plants got taken straight out. I hope your more colourful Cordylines bounce back!

[@PeterEntwistle]

It's certinly been cold at times this winter, then the mild weather comes back tricking us into thinking spring is starting. I'm glad to see that you were able to protect your larger palms. Luckily I was able to bring in my potted Phoenix canariensis palms inside in December during the coldest weather. They have been fine outside since, although I covered them with fleece again the other day to protect them during this cold spell. I think they probably would have been ok without it, but I'd rather err on the side of caution. We are expecting quite a bit of snow tomorrow and Friday, although, hopefully, it won't last long as the temperatures in the day should be increasing next week.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

You're right Peter, there's always a 'false spring' but I'd rather get any more cold out of the way before May than have a damaging late frost. Not that we can decide anyway! It sounds like you did right with your Phoenix. I knew mine was a risk outside but we'll see how it gets on. I hope you didn't get too much snow and the rise in temperature will be very welcome while it lasts!

[@ThebeardofCrunt]

What I have started doing, in researching plants I am interested in ie the Tree Ferns, is googling the natural range of them and looking at weather data for these places. I think down here where I live, especially, our weather seems to match Tasmanian weather very closely. I also remind myself that, plants have been around for millennia and the they have survived many climate variants over that time and are still here. I've found in the very short time I've been doing this that climate data from the natural range has been invaluable.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

That's a very good tip Alex and I always try to base my planting and care approach around where the plants come from and why they grow well there. You're completely right that a lot of the ferns and unusual plants we grow in our exotic gardens have been around for millions of years, so it just shows as long as you're reasonably sensible about what and where you plant they can be surprisingly resilient.

[@flamingmonkey]

Thanks for another great video George. This winter has been brutal, my Phoenix C is completely brown and dead looking. It would be great to have some content on fast exotic plants that we can use to fill the gaps this summer after losing plants. Things like Ricinus, I’m sure you would have lots of great suggestions.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Niall and sorry to hear you've had a tough one too. I've sort of touched on this in the video I'm putting together at the minute but I'll see what I can do, thanks for the suggestion!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

p.s. I hope both our Phoenix palms bounce back!

[@flamingmonkey]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden that sounds great, keep up the fantastic work.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

@@flamingmonkey Thanks Niall!

[@gordonwatson5676]

Hi George, it was a tough winter up here in Scotland right enough. I lost my musa basjoo and canary palm to the frost even though I had them protected. Will look at hardier options this year.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Gordon, that's gutting to hear but definitely shows how cold this winter has been compared to the last few. I'd hope that the basjoo will come back from the roots if it was a good sized plant though. I don't blame you for considering more hardy replacements, I'll be planting more Trachycarpus etc. this year.

[@DanH282]

Similar experience in coastal Wirral. Butia Odorata had no issues. I bought x4 supermarket small palms for a fiver each. Two Washingtonias killed straight off but the two chamaerops seem fine. T-rex killed to ground but most surprisingly my Fatsia Polycarpa had all its leaves blackened off yet my Japonica and spiders web variants totally fine. Good luck bracing for the cold snap!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Dan and sorry to hear of your losses. The Washingtonias are definitely a lot softer than Chamaerops etc but with the other plants I think their age is often the biggest factor. Last year definitely set up young plants to be cut down unfortunately but I hope spring brings some pleasant surprises for you!

[@mrchuffy6535]

Have you looked outside George its bloody scorching in North Lincs today! already gone from -5 to -3 for tonight so might be much better than we hoped. Excellent video again and its almost spring (went to Linden its closed still lol)

[@Knobblytyressoggysocks]

This morning in Suffolk we woke up to snow and then sun all day thankfully - back down to -2 tonight so should be ok if it warms up during the day.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Mr Chuffy and I don’t know about scorching but the blue sky was definitely very welcome! We’re predicted to be -4 but far least we’ve got days above freezing this time round. If I hear anything about Linden I’ll let you know, they might just be waiting for the first warm weather.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

I’m sure with the positive daytime temperatures you should get away with it in Suffolk but it definitely feels like we’re due a good spring across the country 😊

[@aviationollie-c]

Great video George it really has been a really tuf winter i had a minus 7c in bristol my canery island date palm died completely this winter :( but it wasn't the cold spell in December it was in January when it was very warm to start the month and then suddenly went really cold my bannana plant had suffered no damage at all but I'm not sure why my trapeycarpus fotuni had frost damage at the ends of the leaves should I cut the damage leves of.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Ollie and sorry to hear your garden has suffered too, it’s been a very tricky winter. As for the Trachycarpus, could it just be that the lower leaves have started to brown slightly? It’s natural for that to happen in most gardens and I generally wait until they’re mostly brown before I tidy the palm up.

[@palmlifeuk3553]

I have a Washingtonia Robusta which I didn't even protect this winter mainly due to size plus they hate being wrapped. I can't however grow a Phoenix to save my life

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi, apologies for my delayed reply, it sounds like yours is a strong plant and in a good spot then, hopefully it sizes up well and is able to take any more testing cold in future winters. You're right - they really don't tolerate the humidity of being wrapped well. Interesting that it's survived and your Phoenix hasn't, I'd personally have thought their survival chances would have been the other way round!

[@bethechangebath7663]

Snow here today in the south west!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

I hope you don't get hit too badly! I was in Sleaford today with work and it was starting to settle well but nothing sticking around here yet.

[@andyjones6830]

My Musa Basjoo may well be a gonner, the tree ferns don't normally suffer in a sheltered spot, but this year they've been blasted by the cold wind and my canary island DP has been in the ground less than a year and is looking pretty rough, I don't have high hope because I was able tp pull out one of the spears but the other new growth is still firm (but yellow) I'll have to wait and see but I imagine I need to replace it with a Trachy, there's no shelter in a North Wales valley apparently :(

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

I'd hope that your Musa basjoo comes back from the roots Andy and fingers crossed your tree ferns are OK but it's definitely been a tough winter for the CIDPs unfortunately. I hope it comes through. Unfortunately when it's been as cold as it has been, even a sheltered spot can only do so much and they'll take damage. Hopefully spring brings some pleasant surprises though!

[@cake-diver8991]

Another great video cheers George 🤙 Butia is the way for me this year, just chucked three Pheonix onto the compost today 😪 Hopefully year 2 of tropical gardening will be more fruitful

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Ahh that’s a shame - as you can see mine isn’t far away from that and I’ve been lucky really. You never quite know when a bad winter is coming or whether you’ll have 10 mild ones in a row and everything can size up nicely but all gardens evolve I guess and lessons are there to be learnt. Hopefully 2023 is a better growing year!

[@cake-diver8991]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden Thanks, I'm hoping that yours recovers soon. I'm sorryabout your losses, i'm starting to realise how heartbreaking that can be. Purchased 7 green phyl bamboo yesterday and was out at 6 this morning almost sobbing as i shook 4" of snow off them. One has snapped though and its gone from six to three ft😪

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

@@cake-diver8991 Thanks. It can definitely be frustrating for sure but I guess when it's summer and you have a garden full of giant leaves and colour, winter seems a long way away! Sorry to hear about your bamboo, the good news is that the new culms that come through in spring will be bigger and taller this year anyway so not the end of the world.

[@cake-diver8991]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden Hopefully so, still got these training wheels on. Can't wait to see more of your videos man🤙

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

@@cake-diver8991 Thanks and bring on spring!

[@seansmith445]

Such a shame we can't grow CIDP's in the North like those giant specimens you see all over London.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Yes it is isn't it, something I've accepted after this winter!

[@Dr1on]

Would love to hear your thoughts about cycads? My son has gone Jurassic Park mad and I love the look of them!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Scott, they're very cool plants and definitely have that primitive Jurassic vibe. There's some beauties in my Linden Nursery tour video. Personally I wouldn't plant them outside here as even with fleecing, winters like this one will make a mess of them but if you've got a greenhouse or conservatory to move them into during winter they're a nice pot plant. They don't flush very often but when they do it's an impressive sight!

[@suzannesmith9668]

Hi George, great video! I have a Butia Capitata that I planted in my garden last year. I put it on a ‘mound’ of soil as you’d suggested and it was growing really well! The height is about 3 foot at the tallest arch of the branch. Obviously the winter hasn’t helped at all 😥 I wondered if you could tell me if I should leave it in the ground and hope for the best or if it’s past all hope…I’m tending to air on the optimistic side as I can see a fair amount of new green growth in the centre. If the temperature dips below zero should I cover the Centre stem with fleece again…thanks. Sue

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Sue and thank you very much. Sorry to hear you've had damage on your Butia, certainly a tricky winter for a newly planted feather palm especially unfortunately. If there's green in the centre I'd be optimistic too. Personally I'd cover it if there's a night below zero or an extended freeze but hopefully things will start to get milder. I hope spring brings recovery and some new growth for it!

[@slimytoad1447]

Hi george here in south london i've lost 2 canary island palms as well as my butia odorata and my eriospatha, i'm gutted. I even lost trachy foruneii and another trach .fort has spear pulled. My nightmares come real ,oh well.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Dec, so sorry to hear that - I hope they make a recovery if possible. It was definitely exceptionally cold around your area, what temperatures did you get down to?

[@slimytoad1447]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden Hi George -5c- -6c ,cheers mate

[@frazeramey9151]

Great video as usual, I have a Jubaea and a Butia to plant out next month and I have one full sun spot and one part shade does it matter which goes where?

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you! To be honest, I wouldn't say it matters a huge amount but personally I'd always be tempted to give the Jubaea the best spot with the most sun to speed the growth up. That's how I've done things here but I hope they grow well for you whichever way round you decide to plant them!

[@garethvanderwesthuyzen6420]

My Phoenix crossed the rainbow bridge this winter. It's our third attempt. Decided to call it quits. Got a miscanthus giganteus to go in its place.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

That’s frustrating Gareth but I agree with your sentiment. You’ve got to try a few times but equally know when to simplify and choose something different that will reliably deliver the effect.

[@tac5399]

George which bamboo should I choose please bro from Scottish bamboo which has thin stalks but looks lovely to go around my fence in South wales & only grows no higher than 4ft if possible and is hardy ? Regards: Wayne

[@tac5399]

My fence is 6ft tho mate

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Wayne, there’s a few decent Fargesias that don’t grow very tall but in all honesty I’d probably ring / message Scottish Bamboo and see what they’ve got in they’d recommend. They are really helpful and have some great varieties in but I don’t grow any of the shorter varieties personally 👍

[@terrystokes7047]

Hi George; thank you, another good video; my Butia Oderata has spear pulled (approximately 1.5 metres tall) would you think it could pull through or more likely die off 😢 cheers.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you Terry! I’d be hopeful that it’ll come through personally, how does the rest of the plant look?

[@terrystokes7047]

Thanks for replying; some browning on the outer edge’s of the fronds; but the trunk is firm; I’ve put a heat mat under the pot (hoping this helps) in the shed in front of the window, put a little hydrogen peroxide also; cross my fingers it pulls through; it was/is going in my new Mediterranean raised bed!

[@maxinethomas6044]

Hi can you tell me what plams are best for potsas I don't have a garden

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Maxine, I'd definitely recommend Chamaerops for pots. They're slower growing and adapted for drier conditions so cope with pot culture better than Trachycarpus etc. They look great with a Mediterranean theme and terracotta pots too!

[@zakariamustafa9473]

Hi, I wanted to ask as I’ve got a canary island date palm for the garden do you think I have a chance of success. I am down in London it gets cold in winter rarely gets around 1/2 degrees mostly 5/6 degrees on a regular winter. Thank you for any advice given.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Zakaria and in central London you should have a great chance, certainly higher than me! The only thing I would say is make sure you have enough room as they get big. Check out my latest vid from Ventnor Botanic Garden if you want to see just how big...

[@valougame3175]

Why not try Butiagrus ?

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Butiagrus are cool and I've actually got a very special cross potted currently in the polytunnel. I may plant it out or keep growing it up to a larger size before doing so. Unfortunately they're not reliably hardy up here in these kind of winters and don't grow fast enough in our summers to outgrow damage well but I'm definitely very tempted to give it a sunny spot close to my fire pit / patio area.

[@andrewdobson858]

Hi I have a really big Dicksonia antarctica it’s wrapped in hessian and leaves in the crown. It’s pretty high in the garden too. Dose it still need watering in winter months. Hope this cold weather has not killed it

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Andrew, I'd like to think that with that protection it should be OK. Personally I'd be tempted to water it when there's next a gap in freezing nights. Now spring is on the way, it's windy and it isn't necessarily raining consistently, it's worth giving the trunk a spray down if it hasn't rained that week.

[@andrewdobson858]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden brilliant Thanks

[@dropbacknaga]

Was watching your POV video in that patch yesterday and was wondering how the phoenix had got on this winter. I’ve got an Odorata ready to plant out, would you recommend holding off until May?

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks, yes, it’s struggled but I’m hopeful! I’d wait until later in April / May, yes, I wouldn’t risk it now and the ground will still be cold and wet. Great choice of palm!

[@pburgess4727]

Had spear pull on 2 chamerops in my garden down south 🤣

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Yeah, it’s been a tricky old winter and obviously how central you are can have as much of an effect of how cold the minimum temperatures are as your latitude in some cases. I try to be general though and the best bet is still to see what other people grow (and don’t protect) locally. I hope they come through for you, your spring weather will start about 2 months before us up here in the frozen north 😂

[@eijiroinouye4115]

How big was your Jubae when you got it?

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi, I got it in 2017 so it wasn’t much smaller than it is now but as it’s coming up to a few years in the ground now it should hopefully be establishing and ready for some proper growth!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

There’s a vid of me planting it on my channel if you’re interested 👍

[@eijiroinouye4115]

​@George’s Jungle Garden Thank You

[@philippehoyez9398]

This is how a compatriot protects his phoenix canariensis: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6THq31vdrmhhqM It would have been very easy to collect the palms of your phoenix as it is much smaller.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Philippe and thanks, I’ve seen vids of people building shelters over their gardens, the dedication is impressive! For me, I try to get away with minimal protection (this year I didn’t have time for any more) as ultimately a lot of these plants will have to fend for themselves long term. It could be that a Phoenix is a step too far for here but there’s a few locally that convinced me it could be a viable experiment without having to heat it. Fingers crossed!