Butia capitata

Hi All,

How hardy is Butia capitata?
What sort of growth rate does it have?

Am thinking of getting one

Thanks

 

Hi Sirius - In the UK Butia capitata tolerates most environments - it's frost hardy but during the first winter I think I would suggest protecting it with a fleece. It grows well in the sun but does prefer a sheltered position. It has a rather slow growth rate.

 

I bought one in B&Q about four years ago in late December, it had endured a couple of minus 6C nights and the pot was frozen soild, but thought I'd give it a go as it was half price.
I thawed it out slowly in the garage and kept it frost free that winter, potted it on in spring.
Its now in a large tub as I cant find a good spot to plant it, I'm looking for somewhere with a bit of protection, and sunny in winter.
Trouble is nearly everything I grow likes those conditions so not much room left as they will grow big if happy.
I'm a bit sceptical about the hardiness, as there is a difference between surviving and looking good.
Mine will have to be planted out soon, maybe next spring as its getting too heavy to move, but growth in a pot is fairly slow, once established I assume faster, but probably slower than a Trachy.

 

I would give a -10 for big plants and then protection , amulree had some really nice one.

 

Mine got burnt last winter and hasn't put out a new spear at all, as already said the growth rate is slow.
I didn't give it enough protection and the damage was done with a few -7/9cs
It still looks healthy even though it only gets the sun from midday and in a north facing bed.