The best Palm for winter protection in a freezing cold climate

[@VPAS]

agree, for us zone pushers it makes more sense to have a faster growing crown so you can enjoy the look throughout the warmer months...waiting on my robusta coming in the mail!

[@KiwiCatherineJemma]

Great point James ! But something I notice as how super skinny the trunks are on your Trachycarpus palms. You mentioned about buying them with several feet of trunk growth already. It's my understanding that plant production nurseries deliberately use techniques such as low light, to encourage palms especially to grow thinner trunks which means they put on height more quickly to make the palms appear ready for sale earlier. It's true I live in Southern New Zealand, , a very different climate, probably Zone 9-ish but near-Maritime. (So we can grow Citrus fruits here without any Winter protection, great crops of Lemons, but Oranges would never get to normal quality or sweetness, perhaps). However ALL of the Trachycarpus palm trunks I see around here are much thicker. One of my trachy palms has a thinner trunk than most and it's still 50% again, if not more, the trunk diameter of yours. Now trunk thickness does seem to affect a palms ability to withstand below freezing temperatures WITHOUT external protection. Note how Wash filifera, the Calif Fan Palm has a trunk 3 or 4 feet thick and can withstand much lower, short lived below zero Celsius temperatures. Whereas Wash robusta, the Mexican fan palm has a trunk a foot to 18inches thick and has less cold tolerance... the trade-off being the filifera grows about one tenth as fast by comparison. I think you'll find Trachys grown outside from a young age, planted into the soil at an early age, will develop much thicker trunks and should therefore tolerate short duration "snap" frost/freezes, like you might have in Autumn/Spring, Obviously in your climate, all palms will require some protection during the coldest part of the Winter season. Curiously, I planted 2 small palms side by side here, barely 1.5 metres apart. Even though the Trachy was quite some bit larger than the Washingtonia robusta, the Wash within a year had outperformed the Trachy. With it's far larger fronds and greater density of crown, it has effectively been overshadowing the Trachy, which has been growing longer petoiles (leaf stalks) to try to reach the Sun. Looks like the Trachy is just at the stage of beginning trunk development, and this one's trunk seems smaller diameter than the other one, I have in the ground elsewhere. Note I notice Americans talking about Trachys NOT wanting Full Sun, yet here in NZ at 43 South Latitude, with our very bright South Pacific Light phenomenom, we still almost always plant them in full Sun and they love it.

[@KD-cg9iq]

Hallo James , here in Belgium last winter we had a whole week with freezing temperatures day and night going as low as minus 10 degrees Celsius. My trachycarpus fotunei trees all survived without any protection , Washingtonia robusta needs to be boxed in with an extra heating cable around it. Also the Washy's are more expensive here than the Trachy's. However I do agree that Washy's are prettier than Trachy's.

[@Lo1XDImNoob]

I think the thin crowns of the windmill are perfect in my opinion. This spring I plan on planting tropicals in my yard. I will be doing needle, S. Minor, Windmill, Yucca, and Musa Basjoo. I live in massachusetts 6A. I don’t have too much space so I think the windmill is the perfect stature as you said. I will have to protect these in the winter of course using lights and insulation board I saw a video about a trachycarpus in insulation board and I guess it works. Lots of people around here grow Yucca Adam’s Needle. Anyways thank you for the videos I enjoy palms as well

[@timothykissinger4883]

I live in the Louisville,Ky area,and I've had great success with Needle palm Windmill and Mediterranean palm.Heating cable used for Windmill and Mediterranean palms

[@vincenzecalzone8666]

I do love the canopy of the washys. I'm a convert to your thinking. One planted out outdoors for me this year to see how it does. I have a filifera inside. Incredible growth rate. Cheers James. Your stuff always cool

[@TheJames2929]

Vincenze Calzone some cheers thanks man

[@freerobuxcheckmychannel2521]

He James are sabal palms cold hardy because your sabal tends to lose a couple of fronds.But your windmill palm does better in the freezing climate

[@jbaruman272]

So..afte watching like 5 of your videos I just on this video realized you are in Ontario, CN. Wow! You're backyard made me think you were in Jacksonville, FL.

[@austinl01]

Great arguments. I've been saying the same things for years.

[@dc5v529]

I prefer trachycarpus because they are long term here and reliable. Best bet is to plant them in a place where they get morning and midday sun and shade in the afternoon. Plus keep it well watered and give it some fertilizer and it will have a nice canopy. These guys love water. Washies are also great because of how fast they grow and they are very good looking palms. Plus you can replace them easily. They also don’t ask for much.

[@josephserio2420]

I agree with you James, the Mexican Fan palm is a great palm to grow. I’m from Detroit, but I’ve lived in The Raleigh North Carolina area for almost 17 months. I planted two Mexican fan palms this year, they’ve exploded in growth. I’m on the boarder of zone 7b/8a, I’m not sure if I need to cover them for the winter. My one neighbor that had Palmetto palms that look great and made it through the winter with no damage. What are your thoughts? Not protect them or protect them? I also have planted a couple sable minors and a windmill palm, I’m not worried about covering them. Thank you

[@Salmiyaguy1]

Protect. it doesn't hurt. even with Christmas lights or winter frost cover. if anything the lights would great in winter. just use a thermocube.

[@TimsZonePushingGarden]

Totally agree. Have you tried Trachycarpus from seed and planted/protected when very young? They seem to perform better when planted very young vs transplanting a large one.

[@TheJames2929]

I have seedlings growing now at my house from my palms so we’ll see how those ones do they planted them selves off of the mother tree

[@jdt8826]

James great review. I totally agree with you.

[@Tiki71]

I totally agree about there being no difference between washy vs. trachy if you're using a thermocube and Christmas lights. If you're really worried, you could drape some outdoor heat cable around the base and run the lights up the trunk. The main thing is keeping the temps above the minimum for the plant and not wrapping it to the point of moisture and mold. We have to build in a way to be able to open it up on good weather winter days for some air flow and a little sun too.

[@TheJames2929]

Yes I don’t find it inside but definitely air flow helps

[@jeffgilligan2004]

I have T. fortunei, but prefer T. wagarianus - prettier and at least as hardy. The leaves don't get damaged by wind.

[@carolannmiles-hughes6222]

I'm Moving back to the Midwest. I may as well stay weird and plant Palm trees! I can't wait to see the be expressions on my new neighbors faces! 😆

[@bengonzales4706]

Can you do a full yard update?

[@TheJames2929]

BennyG Drummer No problem I just did

[@JNadolsky]

I want to do this but what happens when the palm tree gets ridiculously high? Supposedly they can reach 100 feet and you can't shorten them like a normal tree? What will you do?

[@stuartsim5950]

Hi James always enjoy your videos. Also in southern Ontario and have had my 3 trachycarpus for 2 winters. I’m in Victoria BC, today admiring the huge trachycarpus here but while they don’t need winter protection here, and one day ours will get too tall to climb a ladder. What are your future plans for that inevitable day? I’m going to plant small ones every 8 years just in case.

[@TheJames2929]

stuart sim Yes that is a good idea perhaps with my Mexican fan palm it may one day have to be cut down but as far as the windmill palms are concerned I believe they grow slow enough that Will take too long to grow out of my ability to protect them

[@amanzella6508]

Put the ladder in a pickup truck bed

[@b.brockhus078]

Love trachtcarpus fortunei. Here in northern europe my palm was never protected it and it has seen -15 celcius with no damage

[@marckenny3131]

The problem with Washys is the torns, stiff petioles, and a rate of growth so fast, that in 10 years, it is a dangerous/ almost impossible task to protect. I think the two easiest palms to protect, and give instant perfect fronds from day one of uncovering is Trachycarpus wagnerianus and a nice 1mt plus trunked Chamaerops Humilis Vulcano. They will look as good in spring as they do in Autumn. And Brahea Armata and Edulis are also relatively easy to wrap up, but are obviously larger species. That's my 2 cents worth👍 Great post👌👍

[@k9g636]

Hehe, any beginner always picks Fortunei. Then they realize they should have bought Waggy's, which are more wind resistent. Then they get more advanced and buy Canarienses, Sabal, Jubaea Chilensis and Washingtonia's. We have all been there ;)

[@TheJames2929]

Awesome

[@amanzella6508]

Ever get a shade cloth for the spring transition to sunlight?

[@henrycordero8265]

Great video! Keep em coming!!

[@TheJames2929]

Henry Cordero Thanks I will do so

[@mahsasalimi]

Hi, Watching your video from southern Sweden. This is exciting. I would like to know how big you buy these and at what age you plant them in the ground? Thanks so much

[@stephenkeeble6857]

Jesus christ did u actually say -20 in this video lol live in Scotland UK 🇬🇧 never experience anything as cold as that! minus 3 or 4 at a push in a bad winter saying that our summer's are pretty crap 😣

[@KyleSchwanz]

My Mexican fan palms keep dying here in Texas. I need to find out how to wrap them in winter. I love the Mexican palms!!!

[@gadgetboy-sb3bt]

Hi James could you suggest a palm to plant in wet soil with a non drainage pot , takes direct sun and is winter hardy thanks 😊

[@TheJames2929]

Aman Hargun Sabal Palmetto can you very well in very wet soil and very cold hearty And definitely can take full sun

[@gadgetboy-sb3bt]

James palms thanks a lot Since I live in the uk they are not available here ,do you think a Washingtonia robusta would do well in these conditions

[@CatarinaSalite]

Hi. I propagated a palm seed on a pot and covered in plastic like how you showed on one of your past videos! The seed germinated yayyy! Now at what point do I take out the plastic cover and do I keep the tiny baby palm in the big pot or repot it?! Help please and thank you for all valuable information you share on your videos.

[@TiffanyPruett-ze9eb]

Hello everyone, Question I live in Georgia. Bought a female palm tree. It's about 9ft tall now 3 years later. Wondering if the yellow little seeds growing on it, are the seeds I can use to regrow another one? Also if not do I cut them off. Thanks Tiffany

[@eijiroinouye4115]

Are large Jubae hardy?

[@Tarantulaflytrap]

Personally I think the California fan palm (washingtonia filifera) would probably do a lot better than the Mexican fan palm or get a hybrid fan palm (washingtonia filibusta) for the best of both worlds!

[@sandorspalms]

Hey James! I have a few Robusta growing in pots that are getting big. They by far are my fastest growing palm's and knowingly they will outgrow my indoor space in the near future. I assume you will just replace your Robusta by the fence when it becomes unmanageable.👍🌴

[@TheJames2929]

Sandor Fazekas yeah for sure but I will definitely give it my best effort to keep it as long as possible

[@sandorspalms]

@@TheJames2929 Yeah it's a shame for our climate!

[@Salmiyaguy1]

I noticed them on your channel. When will you put them in the ground. I plan to plant mine right in the ground on arrival. I ordered a 15 gallon. I am in Mississauga.

[@sandorspalms]

@@Salmiyaguy1 Hey Charlie from Mississauga!! I had planted one in the ground last spring and currently protecting it for the winter. You can see it on some of my summer videos. Good luck with yours and keep me posted on how it does for you.

[@blann1]

Awesome 😊

[@TheJames2929]

Darren Blann thanks

[@palmdaddy]

Where are you located again?

[@TheJames2929]

Near Toronto, Canada

[@D97mgtow]

Can I ask a question I have a small dwarf palm in my garden, it marks the spot my old dogs ashes were buried. If I ever move house would I be able to take a cutting of this palm and regrow it in another place???

[@MrMoneyMan-zv8uk]

could I cut off some windmill palms leaves for winter protection?

[@EatYourBackyard]

Killer video. Is the Mexican Fan Palm a Washingtonia? Looks similar.

[@TheJames2929]

EatYourBackyard thanks bro for taking the time to check out my channel I am so glad you liked it 👍🌴❤️ yes Mexican fan palm is washingtonia robusta. I am a big fan of your videos great job and and thanks for sharing

[@kylelopez629]

Plane trees waaaaa

[@markboschman1188]

I’m up in Ottawa, where could I get Mexican fan palm seeds? Would love to try to grow this.

[@TheJames2929]

I was pretty much done selling them if you want to send me your address and 20 bucks I’ll send you some seeds in the mail I have fresh seeds right now just email me at [e-mail]

[@juanramos9660]

California fan palm is much more coldhardy. Washingtonia filfera, they survived the texas polar vortex here in south texas 11 degrees farenheit. We lost just about every robust. Pindo palm, Mediterranean fan palm, chinese fan palm, windmill palm and sagos took a hit but survived and are coming back. Lost all washingtonia robust and queen palm and most of phoenix type palms.

[@gregholden8812]

Why don't you try growing Mediterranean palms? I live in northern Utah and they do great with minimum winter care. California palms also do great here but you might have to much humid weather for those.

[@pitpony2006]

If I planted one in a large pot could I over winter in a unheated garage?

[@TheJames2929]

I have seen people do that before it depends on the plate it depends on how cold it gets in your garage

[@davidirwin1549]

Don't Mexican Fan Palms grow really fast in that even though you may be initially protect them - at some point down the road as the tree grows and gets taller you may not be able to cover anymore and with colder winters the palm would freeze leaving a dead trunk whereas the slower growing and hardier Windmill eventually down the road if unprotectected due to height could perhaps survive the winter whereas the Mexican Fan Palm could not survive unprotected ?

[@davidrowsell2679]

Hi I live in UK and grow lot Palms. Just asking how come your Trachycarpus have very fin stems. Over here the stems are much thicker?

[@Followyourpassions]

Small trunk= plants that have been growing in nurserys and planted with a long trunk. Big trunks= planted small in colder climate. How colder how thicker trunks. Thats why I plant always smaller trachys.

[@jamestropicals8262]

Why is my Mexican fan palm getting a little bit of sunburn on the fronds when it loves full sun?

[@natemiller3098]

I live in Virginia, and they sold a 3ft for 20$

[@iAM_B4TM4N]

I want to see you go on the waterslide. 😂

[@TheJames2929]

iAm Batman ya lol

[@Stephen-vk3ej]

Where are you located?

[@TheJames2929]

Near Mississauga Ontario

[@pele1982]

Hi James What are you going to do with robusta once too big to winter protect? Also how humid is the winter where you live

[@TheJames2929]

There is humidity all winter quite a bit usually 40 to 60% as for the palm tree that they won’t be for a long time my friend I am willing to do some pretty extreme lengths to keep it growing here stay tune and you’ll see over the coming years

[@pele1982]

James palms cool I have no doubts you will. I live in USDA zone 7b have two TF and 3,5m tall Jubaea chilensis. My dream is to grow WR, but I’m afraid that our winters are too humid 80% and up most of the time.

[@Fez.stories]

Do you think I’d get away with a washy in uk where I am it only usually gets between -3 on nights at coldest days in winter about 4c

[@maple494]

definitely yes

[@chrissobie5922]

Zone 5b best palm 🌴 ?

[@TheJames2929]

The best would be a needle palm but I would plant a Mexican fan palm

[@RossIsBored]

Just bought a Mexican fan

[@greatsoldier]

I'm doing expiraments with windmill palms with no protection

[@TheJames2929]

Awesome buddy sounds good

[@vistaprime]

Funny how trachy grow smaller fronds in full sun. Defies the logic of palms. Other palms I assume would grow smaller fronds in partial sun...Strange windmills do the opposite.

[@grandsonofsevenless4285]

They need to as much sun as they can get the ones with full sun dont have to stretch there frond aas far

[@robb7388]

I've got 4 huge trachycarpus wagnerianus.. Those look better and the leaves are way stronger

[@TheJames2929]

deez nuts yeah for sureThat’s awesome

[@SashaZgx]

What about Butia Capitata?I'm in zone 8a,Zagreb,Croatia

[@TheJames2929]

Sasha X I would try it

[@SashaZgx]

@@TheJames2929 but I can't heat it,cause I live in a building not in a house with garden 😭😭

[@tadams1186]

wont that mexican fan palm grow incredibly tall eventually?

[@TheJames2929]

Yes after 30 or 40 years

[@Masonsylvestre]

Try to get your hands on a washingtonia filabusta or even a filifera

[@TheJames2929]

Mason Sylvestre ya I will

[@fernandotomz]

Get waggy princpes hybrids they looks better and leafs are better

[@saifsalah8593]

Oh my god that annoying sound on the tempo This is like an annoying recorder

[@TheJames2929]

Do you mean the music on the intro ?

[@saifsalah8593]

@@TheJames2929 No, I mean the way you talk continues without stopping in a tired and boring way

[@TheJames2929]

@@saifsalah8593 OK thanks for your comment

[@tonyflores8841]

Talk, talk, talk. I need how not what. I already know the what, I prefer a video that shows me how to do something. grrrrrr

[@TheJames2929]

I have many videos on my protection methods

[@TheJames2929]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqK5e5-sqpp8lbc