Will a palm tree grow in the UK?

If so what height etc will it gain - will it be OK in winter? Will it need special treatment?

 

Yes, depending on which one. The Torbay Palm/New Zealand Cabbage Tree/Cordyalis will thrive here.

 

I think you might find with the recent weather that some may well be reclassified back to being tender, but in general trachycarpus (chusan palm) is probably the hardiest.

Its slow to start but gets going quite well once established and can reach 20ft or so in 20yrs, depending on what sized plant you start with.

Another good one that stays lower and bushier is chamaerops humilis, it also now comes in varieties with bluish leaves which are very ornamental.

My green one which is nearly 25yrs old is still only 4ft high but with many short stems.

Its also nearly as hardy as Trachy.

Phoenix caneriensis is another one thats been planted a lot recently, but personally I've never managed to get one to grow well in my garden.

 

Do you want the one I have in a pot? The b***** thing gets in the way no matter where I put it on the patio!

 

As already said, trachycarpus fortuneii is very tough and has reportedly taken -20somthing in eastern europe. They can live upto about 100 years and grow upto a foot a year.

Ch Humilis as Pete says is another good starting palm, both of these can be bought for under a fiver in places such as wilkos and b&q for a small plant.

Cordyline isnt actually a palm at all, and whilst has been increasingly reliable in recent years is less hardy that than t fortuneii or c humilis. However it is very fast growing and you are best starting with a small plant as they establish quickly.

There are plenty of other options but will cost a lot more, butias are a good bet for much of the uk.

 

This is the hardest winter my tropicals have had to face. Got my fingers crossed hope they dont die, I will really be upset.

 

Thanks for the offer, but I think the one I now have has probably died this winter, so I think I will give up on the idea.

 

I would stick with Trachcarpus Fortunei (or Wageriensis if you can find one).
Unless you are going to plant in the ground Phoenix Canareinsis will keep on needing repotting as Pete and I know:dh: and will have a wide spread from the base so care is needed when siting the palm away from paths as the fronds are very sharp causing many people to cut of the lower ones ruining the shape. Trachycarpus are more compact and hardy anywhere in the UK.

 

I had a sneeky look at one of my banana trees and so far they seem ok.

 

I htink my bananas will be mush soon, Didnt botehr to protect this year and they were frozen solid. Strangely its going to be the very tender ones that will put on a good display this sumemr as they were all somewhere warm

 

Mine too Gaz, no protection for the basjoos.

I had to read that twice, I thought you said my bananas will be mushrooms:lollol: