Hi, I have two Trachycarpus fortunei's which were planted last summer. I have planted them in rasied beds (approx two feet with and additional 2.5 ft below). The soil is 25% sand/75 soil mix. There is also yard drainage so the winter wet dissapates. As we know it has been a tough Vancouver winter. Last summer the fronds were nice and green. Now the new frond growth is yellow. I am not sure if it has to do with the harsh winter. The palms are in a south facing yard (UBC area) and are approximately 6 ft in height. I am hoping that the palms still are adjusting and that fertilizing will help. Thanks
A simple effective way to green up is Epson salts. One tablespoon per gallon every couple of weeks through the spring months should do it. Cheers, LPN.
Look at the hearts of those with brand-new leaves. Many are doing this in multiple locations. More heat-loving types, like fan palms are particularly prone, the whole upper part may go pale some years. Not that it isn't also true that many palms planted here are nutrient-deficient. But when a windmill palm is green except for new leaves being made during cold weather, well...
Also, as new fronds open, the rich green coloring won't be evident immediately. It may take several days to a week or more to properly color up. Here's a few from around my garden taken today and one from yesterday. Trachycarpus fortunei Chamaerops humilis Phoenix canariensis Brahea armata Jubaea chilensis Cheers, LPN.
My 5' trachys that I planted this past summer are pushing nice green new leaves. I did not give them any winter protection. I did have a couple of smaller palms that I planted in summer '05 that grew yellowish leaves within 6 months of planting. What I feel the problem was is that it was a hot, dry summer/fall and I did not provide enough supplemental water for the new plantings. I was sure to give last summer's palms LOTS of water thru to winter and they are very happy now. Perhaps your well drained beds did not help the palms in the summer? I also use the epsom salt treatment for many of my evergreen plants. It seems to produce a very dark green that doesn't happen on it's own. (At least not for me!)
