Newbie in Metro Vancouver – Page 2 – Cold Hardy Palms – PalmsNorth.com

hilashes · 2009-01-11T12:40:06Z

Hello all! I live in the Vancouver area and I planted 2 two-foot Trachys last summer. I've been so excited about them, as all my life I only dreamed of having two palm trees in my backyard! In caring for them I've kept in contact with the nursery I bought them from and searching the palm sites for advice. I'm glad to have found this site and look forward to sharing experiences with the rest of you Trachy and palm lovers alike! What a winter we've had this year...the amount of snow was UNREAL! I prepared my palms for the usual Vancouver winter as instructed (mulched well around with red wood chips, etc) and covered them once the snow hit. My main concern is that I didn't cover them right away when the temps dropped below 0. I guess I thought they were ok until the actual snowfall, so for all I know if there were any damage to worry about, it might have already been done? Will see in the spring. I've posted some pics below....the first one newly planted and then covered with blankets in Dec first snowfall (supported by soft mesh wire I found in the basement). Since the temperatures this week have risen above zero I uncovered them to let them 'breathe'. They look pretty good I guess, they're green but have what looks like a bit of mold on them. It rained heavy and steadily yesterday and through the night (some mixed with snow) so I put a clear thick plastic cover over top to protect them from root rot or further mold. I have also been told they don't like "wet feet".Not sure if I'm doing the right thing so far? It's supposed to dry up this week for a few days with full sun and 7 celcius. Any input would be great! I also have to mention that I planted a banana tree Musa Basjoo in the front yard. so fun!Thanks, :D Heidi

hilashes

(@hilashes)

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woo hoo! thanks Barb! I'll keep my eyes open at the nursery....I've also planned to plant a couple of yuccas this summer around the banana. there's so much out there, this will be fun. I had come across a few germination posts and it seems a bit overwhelming but interesting! that is a nice picture of your T. nainital. I'll get used to detail soon I'm sure.
I'm laughing about my husband.... 😆

Heidi

~ palms on the Canadian west coast

Posted : 11/01/2009 10:08 pm

Anonymous

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Heidi ... I notice you're indicating a zone 7b. Unless you're in the area east of Langley, you should be a zone 8.
"Hmmm, maybe I'll plant two more this summer." See ... it's started already 😆

Cheers, Barrie.

Posted : 11/01/2009 11:27 pm

hilashes

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Hey Barrie, thanks for this! I wondered if I was in zone 8, as it's been a while since I looked it up and I knew I was on the brink of an 8. This is so great to know.

"Hmmm, maybe I'll plant two more this summer." See ... it's started already

Well now I've got palm fever! 😆

Heidi

~ palms on the Canadian west coast

Posted : 12/01/2009 12:05 am

Anonymous

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That wasn't the greatest zone map representation. Zone maps in general are a very small part of the overalll picture.

Cheers, Barrie

Posted : 12/01/2009 3:02 am

hilashes

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Hi Barrie, here are some pics of the T.fortunei after I uncovered them a couple of days ago. How to they look to you? Or if anyone has some feedback? Not sure what to look for if they don't look well. To me they're green so I think they're ok.

Thanks!
Heidi

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~ palms on the Canadian west coast

Posted : 12/01/2009 2:30 pm

hilashes

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Hi Barrie, here are some pics of the T.fortunei after I uncovered them a couple of days ago. How to they look to you? Or if anyone has some feedback? Not sure what to look for if they don't look well. To me they're green so I think they're ok.

Thanks!
Heidi

[/img]

[/url]
[/img]

~ palms on the Canadian west coast

Posted : 12/01/2009 2:31 pm

hilashes

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Posts: 219

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Hi Barrie, here are some pics of the T.fortunei after I uncovered them a couple of days ago. How to they look to you? Or if anyone has some feedback? Not sure what to look for if they don't look well. To me they're green so I think they're ok.

Thanks!
Heidi

[/img]

[/url]

~ palms on the Canadian west coast

Posted : 12/01/2009 2:32 pm

hilashes

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sorry, I'm still learning how to post.... 😳

~ palms on the Canadian west coast

Posted : 12/01/2009 2:34 pm

Anonymous

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They look fine Heidi, a bit on the small side which is always harder on them during the worst that winter threw our way recently. There may be some browning on the fronds once spring gets underway. When they grow larger they'll develop their true hardiness levels and less care is required.

Cheers, Barrie.

Posted : 12/01/2009 4:00 pm

hilashes

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Barrie - thanks for the reassurance!

~ palms on the Canadian west coast

Posted : 12/01/2009 4:24 pm

oppalm

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a belated welcome to you Heidi. Your T Fortuneis look pretty typical of what happens during winter. In your zone they should be fine. In just few years you will be the resident palm expert. keep up the good work.

Kent in Kansas
where it's cold in winter (always)
and hot in summer (usually)
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Posted : 14/01/2009 9:25 am

hilashes

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Well, thank you oppalm for the lovely welcome! Nice to meet you all the way from Kansas! 😀

Heidi

~ palms on the Canadian west coast

Posted : 14/01/2009 11:58 am