Here’s a list of plants in the garden that have done reasonably well with temperatures
down to -6ž to -7žC (21ž to 19žF) here in Birmingham:
- Brahea armata: a new specimen with a short, fat trunk, thick cardboard leaves, and short petioles has
done well and is now on its 3rd leaf (in July 2003) but did get a mini greenhouse for protection last year;
in 12 months, however, it will be left to fend for itself.
- Brahea edulis: despite being kept dry under my tropical hut it still got damaged at
-6žC. It has grown out with ease, but unless it puts out 2 good leaves, as opposed to 2 damaged ones so far
and one good spear, it may be ditched.
- Chamaedora radicalis: a newcomer this year, biggish plant (6+ feet). This year’s experiment is
leaving it in total shade.
- Chamaerops humilis: also indestructible and should be renamed “Captain Scarlet”. Will grow
anywhere in any position.
- Chamaerops cerifera: another great plant for a different colour other than green. Unharmed by -6ž to
-7žC (21ž to 19žF). Slower growth than its cousin but this may be because it is a smaller plant. Still manages
at least 6 leaves a year.
- Butia capitata: no problems here. Its cousin, Mr. yatay, is still in the experimental stage here. It’s
settling in after 3 years of being lifted but is now showing speedier growth. This plant has received some damage
through the winter of 2002-2003 but it’s not major and may be due to its still limited root system.
- Trithrinax acanthocoma: doesn’t like being drowned with a hose in winter to remove snow (stupid
mistake by me). Grows reasonably well though not as tough as campestris, but OK to -6žC (21žF).
- All Trachycarpus species except recent discoveries as these have yet to be tested, but wagnerianus,
fortunei, takil, etc., no problems. (On martianus, see below).
- Trachycarpus martianus: a surprising success story; starts growth before any other palm after winter
and has gone through -6ž to -7žC (21ž to 19žF) with very little damage. It must be under the canopy of other
plants to achieve this. It is likely that I have the hardier “Nepal” variety as others tell me of
total defoliation at -4žC. Mine is planted into solid clay (as in you can throw a pot with it straight out of
the ground) in a north facing position with zero sun.
- Trithrinax campestris: amazing plant; doesn’t bat an eyelid at being lifted and carries on regardless.
A slow grower but very wind resistant so don’t waste money on pot grown specimens.
- I have an assortment of bamboos, tree ferns and yuccas that have all taken -6ž to
-7žC (21ž to 19žF) with limited damage. I have gotten most of my plants through the Palm Centre, though some
I’ve gotten for free (i.e., in a housing estate nearby that was going to be demolished were about 40 Yucca
recurvifolia with trunks up to 3 feet. I asked the local council and they said, “help yourself”.)
I have some smaller, more experimental plants that have to be grown on for some years, including the new Trachycarpus
princeps and T. latisectus, though T. latisectus seems a bit slow at the moment.
So that just about sums up my palm history so far but watch this space as I may be on the move. I have some
pictures at http://community.webshots.com/user/pmrose18,
which I will fully update for the winter of 2003.
Idiot’s Guide to Palms in Britain
