I think palms coming from down south would need at LEAST a year to acclimate.
I think also that if you don't want to heat you should use leaf cages,you have to really pack the leaves in there and build it out 2 feet from the far edge of the plants leaves.
I did this on my Needle palm and it came through a winter(last) with a low of -17(F)so,I would say it works!
It also needs to be kept dry with some kind of lid on top but besides the cage material and your labor,it's FREE!

If you plant Sabal minor against the foundation of the house, you should be good. Use a cover that allows gas exchange but prevents sunlight from entering. Don't use clear plastic.

I'd also make sure you can find where the seed for the Sabal minor originated. A lot of the plants sold in the SE US come from FL. The Sabal minor from FL are less hardy and don't grow as fast or big as more northern ecotypes.

Bismarkia doesn't stand a snowballs chance, even with extensive protection.

Cheers, Barrie.

Best of luck to ya. Post lotrs of pics. 😀

Bismarkia doesn't stand a snowballs chance, even with extensive protection.

Cheers, Barrie.

Why? Growing Robusta up here just fine and Bismarkia is only slightly less hardy. They will be kept above freezing in the winter at all times.

Bismarkia doesn't stand a snowballs chance, even with extensive protection.

Cheers, Barrie.

Why? Growing Robusta up here just fine and Bismarkia is only slightly less hardy. They will be kept above freezing in the winter at all times.

Bismarkia can be KILLED by 25f (listed as marginally hardy to 27f), so it is MUCH less hardy than Washingtonia (22f), which recovers quickly from damage. The only way you're going to keep it alive is if you're able to keep it above freezing, which, based on your protection schemes, seems like a possibility! I say go for it, as long as the palm is cheap and you don't lose your cool over any failure... I'd like to see you try Pheonix theo. since it should be hardier than your Washy, and is IMHO a much more attractive palm!!!

Bismarkia doesn't stand a snowballs chance, even with extensive protection.

Cheers, Barrie.

Why? Growing Robusta up here just fine and Bismarkia is only slightly less hardy. They will be kept above freezing in the winter at all times.

Bismarkia can be KILLED by 25f (listed as marginally hardy to 27f), so it is MUCH less hardy than Washingtonia (22f), which recovers quickly from damage. The only way you're going to keep it alive is if you're able to keep it above freezing, which, based on your protection schemes, seems like a possibility! I say go for it, as long as the palm is cheap and you don't lose your cool over any failure... I'd like to see you try Pheonix theo. since it should be hardier than your Washy, and is IMHO a much more attractive palm!!!

What's a Phoenix theo?

Phoenix Sylvester is most likely your your best bet for price/hardiness. You can pick up some giant ones down south for very reasonable.

Bill

I have to agree about Bismarckia although there is a part of me that would like the challenge!
Could it be done? Yes,if your willing to protect it on a grand scale and I do mean GRAND!
I have actually been rethinking even doing Washys because of the amount of effort needed and their cold hardiness limits.
The thing with Washys is the payoff during the summer as they do grow so fast.
Bismarckia grows as wide(sometimes wider) than it does tall!
I think you will find that when the number of palms your trying gets to 10-15-20 it gets a little overwhelming.
If you have the free time DO IT!
Look at (ASSUMING YOU COULD DO THIS)some pictures of Bizzy's this is one that is very impractical.
If your going to do it anyway 😉 you will need to put in as much effort to protect the roots( exstensive use of heating cables,a ton of mulch)I think in theory it could be done but-
Your more likely to lose this through the roots system.You would also need to keep it dry (starting in late Sept and in the spring as they don't like moisture and cold) this would be difficult to do and still get it established over 3 years-

I have between 25-30 Palms-and 25-30 cactus they are small. Every year I consider saying f&#%@ it!-when I hassle with the lights/heat/plastic on the G-house and the W/storms.
Every year I'm glad I did it-but man it can be some work-and my palms are small.....right now!

Good luck Wx

http://www.plantapalm.com/vpe/photos/Species/phoenix_theophrasti.htm

Phoenix theophrasti, Cretan date palm, hardiest of the date palms (maybe acaulis will prove to be hardier?)... It's one of those 'hardiest of the genus' type things... Like most Phoenix it needs heat to grow well, but it would be a cake walk to protect compared to a Washy, but I would imagine the summer growth wouldn't be as good... Anayway, I've heard reports of the following temperatures for lows: 12f, 16f (seems the safe lower limit), and -12C (10f).

I've got seeds coming (which will probably rot), so in a couple years I may give it a test... I don't know if anyone is selling plants of this species...

Those are hardier then the Sylvester but not likely very obtainable in bigger sizes. I wouldn't worry a ton about saving 5 degree's hardiness since they'll be covered anyways. I know they'll have that palm at the farmers market too. How big of a trailer do you have Wx?

Bill

Why? Growing Robusta up here just fine and Bismarkia is only slightly less hardy

Bizzys will not tolerate any cold moisture. Believe me I have tried them here & none have made it. Our lows only get down to low 20's.

Why? Growing Robusta up here just fine and Bismarkia is only slightly less hardy

Bizzys will not tolerate any cold moisture. Believe me I have tried them here & none have made it. Our lows only get down to low 20's.

I agree and even more to the point, I had a reasonable sized one pack it in with temps in the upper 30'sF (4C) with out any trouble. They're certainly not "slightly less hardy" than Washingtonia robusta.
If you're looking for the silver blue look, go with Brahea armata, again needing extensive protection in your climate, but much hardier than Bismarkia noblis.

Cheers, Barrie.

I agree with Barrie, armata brahea is much hardier. You could also try to get a chamaerops humilis ceferia (SP?) which is hardier than brahea armata.