Hi, I have seen many photos, but am wondering what people's luck is like with Washingtonia Robusta here in Vancouver, BC? I have other hardy tropicals, and would love to try this one. I am aware many wrap in winter, but has anybody had good success with this in the pacific Northwest? I understand it is very fast-growing? Help...
Usually grows for a time and then freezes, being hardy only to the 20's (F) or so. A fairly big (for us) one is up the road from me, have seen it showing frond damage but have not checked current condition. Was told this week there is a planting of several 10'-12' tall at Alki, in Seattle. This is a beachfront neighborhood, where minimum temperatures may be high for the area. However, there are reasons why you do not see tall, fully developed ones anywhere in this region - despite local outlets selling these as outdoor plants - whereas there are numbers of them in California, in parts of the state where severe frosts are not usual.
Thanks for the info....I figured it must be risky. However, some members of the Pacific Northwest Palm Society have them in there back yards here in the Lower Mainland (albeit a micorclimate, I am sure). I have one I bought at a small local sale, and shall see what happens. I got it for a deal, so I am keen to experiment. As well, my back yard is quite the microclimate too! I shall try it in the ground, use various over-wintering techniques and pray! Wish me luck....I am going to need it!
See also description in Sunset WESTERN GARDEN BOOK. Small specimens in gardens of enthusiasts up here do not demonstrate local suitability, the lack of large ones tells the tale. The absence of these is certainly not for lack of trying.
HI Ron, thanks, and yes, it seems so. When I look at local pictures, they stand about 8 feet by 8 feet, but none in the sky as they do elsewhere. I have read the bit in "Palms won't grow here and....." book (the staple in one's tropical book library), and it encourages experimentation, and they seem to grow in zone 6B even (photos and mention of Ohio), but of course, not in wet winters (like us PNW folk!). He encourages winter wrapping and that they spring back in the spring, if properly cared for in winter....we'll see. I am still going to give it a try, as it is not too happy in it's current pot anyway. Even if I get a few good years, it will be worth it! If I have grand success, it will be a miracle. cheers
