I don't know if someone in the org has posted this before, I found it in my archives. This GardeWeb member, who lives in Logan, UT, posted this thread on that b-board back in June, 2008. I cut out some of the responses that didn't have any relevance to the topic. I highlighted what I thought were relevant, this includes his method of protection.
Also, how the TX Star survived after loss of power in their area.
I think I've gotten
MY proof from an independent source. At least it's not from the seller.
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Picture of 9' Windmill Palm in bloom, zone 4
Posted by arctictropical Z4 (My Page) on Tue, Jun 24, 08 at 11:46
For those who are in zone denial, here is a picture of a 9' palm in bloom in zone 4. I purchased it as a 1 gallon size plant, kept it in house for two years and then planted it outside about 6-7 years ago. It has been growing like a weed.
Here is a picture of protection in the winter.
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Follow-Up Postings:
• Posted by arctictropical Z4 (My Page) on Wed, Jun 25, 08 at 11:57
Glen, thanks for your comments! I have a butia that has been outside for 3 years now and is doing great. Are you going to try growing a palm outside some day? My two Mediterranean Fan Palms
survived -40 F. temperatures about 5 years ago, under the styrofoam boxes, so I imagine you could try doing the same thing in your area.
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• Posted by arctictropical Z4 (My Page) on Sun, Jun 29, 08 at 11:07
explorer mb, in answer to your question about
what is under the two smaller boxes in the winter picture, they are "Texas Star" banana plants. In the Fall, I cut the leaves off and the plant down to three foot stumps before putting the boxes on. Similar to the Trachy, when I pull the boxes off in the Spring, they are still alive and green, ready to grow!
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• Posted by arctictropical Z4 (My Page) on Tue, Jul 1, 08 at 10:28
Good morning Glen. Yes, the small boxes over the bananas have one flourescent light. I just use the inexpensive plastic or ceramic light fixtures that cost a couple of dollars each. Yes, I wired the boxes myself. Since the boxes are so small, one light bulb puts out enough heat that builds up nicely inside.
One year I lost power to the banana boxes and they froze to the ground, but sprouted from the underground corms in the Spring. "Texas Star" is supposed to be about as hardy as basjoo, and produces edible bananas, but I don't ever expect to get any in my climate. Go for it!
Kevin
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•
• Posted by Jamie 6(
[email protected]) on Tue, Aug 19, 08 at 12:51
That is so cool, I just recently bought 10 Windmill Palm Seedlings to attempt to grow in my Dayton Ohio area home. This truly gives me some hope that I will succeed! When you moved this inside, did it go through any shock? How late in the season did you leave them outside prior to bringing them in for the protection?
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Posted by arctictropical Z4 (My Page) on Tue, Aug 19, 08 at 22:30
Hi Jamie! I actually don't bring it inside for the winter. It is protected by the styrofoam box in the second picture. I have two Mediterranean Fan palms that have been outside for 12-13 years. The Windmall palm has been outside continually for about eight years. I also have a Pindo Palm that has been outside for three years. One of the Mediterranean palms has fronds as wide as the Windmall palm but it is only about 6 feet high since they are slower growing. The largest three palms bloom each year.
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