Cindy,
Don't worry about T. fortunei in a pot in zone 8b. If you get a real cold snap you can drag it in to the house.

The guy you want to talk to is Banana Joe from salt Spring. A long time palm grower. I don't think he's on this board though...

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If your in 8b(?) and you get that kind of snow occasionally,you must have a lot of wet snow with temps around the freezing point,I'm guessing.If all that's true,it sounds like all you really need is to keep the rain/snow off it and your good.I think any plan you can work out that way will work but remember to keep it dry before/ during cold snaps(esp since it's in a pot)because the only real issue as far as I can see, is not letting the roots freeze.If you could sink it in the ground and cover the crown(basically just have some type of roof for it),I think you would be fine.

Cindy ... you and I are neighbors. I'm just north of Woodgrove in Lantzville. If your intentions are to plant this out, no problem in any location on Gabriola.
Keep in mind root freeze in a container is not what you or your palm wants. Insulating the pot is suggested or moving it to a more sheltered spot during inclement weather.
Are you anticipating a move or just unsure of where to permanantly plant this palm?
(I have a few of my palms planted on Gabriola Island) 😀

Cold hardy cactus? ... me too!

Cheers, Barrie.

Thank you all for you answers!

I am just not sure where I want to plant the palm or whether to just keep in in a half barrel pot, eventually.

You are right - we rarely get below freezing and the snow is very wet and heavy. I think I will keep the palm under the eaves of the house. Maybe put it's pot into a bigger pot with some insulation between?

If I keep it under cover for an extended period, how often do you think I should water it?

Barrie - do you have a retail outlet up there in Lantzville? What are you hours? Would love to come visit . . .

Cheers,
Cindy

I wouldn't allow the soil in the pot to completely dry out. Some moisture is needed even during the winter months, usually winter rains take care of that.
Your insulation idea of a pot within a pot sounds good. Just trying to imagine what could be used as an insulator?... expanding spray foam?
I'll PM you regarding a visit.

Cheers, Barrie.

Hi Cindy, welcome aboard.

Let's hope this winter isn't like last year's...

You've received great answers from folks here so just wanted to welcome you.

We'd love to see some pictures of where you decide to overwinter your Trachy.
Good luck with it.

Barb

Thanks Barb and Barrie.
I've decided to spring for the $50 half oak barrel and repot the palm.
I'll move it under the eaves of the house only if I think it's going to snow.

Cheers,
Cindy