Phoenix Canariensis

Discussion in 'Gardening Discussions' started by Tweezers, Feb 22, 2007.

  1. Tweezers

    Tweezers Gardener

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2007
    Messages:
    60
    Ratings:
    +0
    I've just bought a Phoenix Canariensis. I plan to put it in a large terracota pot. Will it need protection in winter? I live in SW France and we had temperatures down to -8c last winter. Will protection with fleece be sufficient or should I move it to a sheltered area?
     
  2. UsedtobeDendy

    UsedtobeDendy Gardener

    Joined:
    Feb 2, 2006
    Messages:
    5,447
    Gender:
    Female
    Occupation:
    Retired teacher and gardener
    Location:
    Falkirk
    Ratings:
    +173
    I live in Scotland, and mine have been out of doors unprotecte all winter.... albeit with a bit of fleece ready for the worst of weathers, but they're ok....

    I'd say the same for you - have the protection ready, but you may not need it.
     
  3. Fran

    Fran Gardener

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2005
    Messages:
    3,338
    Ratings:
    +3
    I am with Dendy - it is not hardy, but as long as your able to protect it with fleece or hessian when the temperatures drop much below freezing should be fine. Or as I did container grow it, and move into shelter in the worst weather.
     
  4. Victoria

    Victoria Lover of Exotic Flora

    Joined:
    Jun 9, 2006
    Messages:
    33,222
    Occupation:
    Lady of Leisure
    Location:
    Messines, Algarve
    Ratings:
    +65,880
    I obviously don't need mine "fleeced" and thrown in jail, and I know Mona-Lisa in the South of France doesn't cover hers.

    I must look up all you French residents and look at your locations.

    I think Bananaman has one (????) and Pete (????) and strongy (????) so they may be able to advise further.
     
  5. walnut

    walnut Gardener

    Joined:
    May 25, 2006
    Messages:
    5,814
    Ratings:
    +15
    Tweezers I lost mine a couple of years back it rotted at the center,I think if you try to protect the crown by folding the fronds to the center it would probably help
     
  6. Tweezers

    Tweezers Gardener

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2007
    Messages:
    60
    Ratings:
    +0
  7. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2005
    Messages:
    56,464
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Mid Kent
    Ratings:
    +110,232
    Just to add, I had a large canary date palm that was about fifteen yrs old, die, outside in its first winter, it rotted in the centre just as walnuts did.
    I'm not a great fan of tying leaves together in winter to keep out the frost as it also holds the dampness. I think it can work if you are prepared to tie it up during cold snaps and untie when mild.
    I do wonder if the source of the seed or plant has any affect on hardyness, as many sold in the UK now do seem to be hardier than previously. I dont think it can all be put down to global warming.
    Minus 8C, I would think could be a killer if it was prolonged for more than a couple of hours in one night.I think the main thing is that the temperature should rise well above freezing for most of the daylight hours.
     
  8. strongylodon

    strongylodon Old Member

    Joined:
    Feb 12, 2006
    Messages:
    15,383
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Wareham, Dorset
    Ratings:
    +32,507
    I've only had mine three years but it is outside and taken a few nights of -5c with no ill effect but a smaller plant may not come through a prolonged spell of extreme cold.
    As we have not had a severe winter for many years (I mean frozen ground for weeks) many of these palms are thriving but they could all be killed off in one winter. I don't really look on mine as permanent and just enjoy them while I can as some are less hardy than the Phoenix, that is being realistic not pessimistic. [​IMG]
     
  9. Banana Man

    Banana Man You're Growing On Me ...

    Joined:
    May 14, 2006
    Messages:
    10,419
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    SuperHero...
    Ratings:
    +750
    No protection. It has enough external leaves to protect the crown. If it is mentally cold, like mentally cold, I bung on some large tree fern fronds or toss a fleece over the top. I really don't like tying plants because of rotting, and largely its not needed.

    Stu.

    Mine, I have loads ! Ignore the Washy from a previous post, you can see the canaries ! Also have them in the more exposed areas of the garden.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  10. miraflores

    miraflores Total Gardener

    Joined:
    Apr 16, 2006
    Messages:
    5,484
    Location:
    mean daily minimum temperatures -1 -2
    Ratings:
    +2,389
    ...are the tickets for "Stu Gardens" sold out, or...?
     
  11. Banana Man

    Banana Man You're Growing On Me ...

    Joined:
    May 14, 2006
    Messages:
    10,419
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    SuperHero...
    Ratings:
    +750
    You need a special pass [​IMG]

    I am ripping out the grass in May so it will be closed until the tropical monsters are at their peak :D
     
  12. Victoria

    Victoria Lover of Exotic Flora

    Joined:
    Jun 9, 2006
    Messages:
    33,222
    Occupation:
    Lady of Leisure
    Location:
    Messines, Algarve
    Ratings:
    +65,880
    After much debate last year, have you decided what you are replacing the grass with? If I remember correctly, we were discussing coloured gravel and such like.
     
  13. Banana Man

    Banana Man You're Growing On Me ...

    Joined:
    May 14, 2006
    Messages:
    10,419
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    SuperHero...
    Ratings:
    +750
    I am going with the same colour, size etc. Two reasons, it will look bigger as a result of using the same material, less breaks in the design. Secondly, I pay �£240 for 6 tonnes of 20mm Shingle and the closest snazzy coloured stuff was well over a grand ! :( :D
     
  14. Victoria

    Victoria Lover of Exotic Flora

    Joined:
    Jun 9, 2006
    Messages:
    33,222
    Occupation:
    Lady of Leisure
    Location:
    Messines, Algarve
    Ratings:
    +65,880
    Clever choice, Batman ... no, sorry Banana Man! [​IMG]

    I like shingle, the smooth type preferably. We're probably going to shingle where we put the car, hopefully this summer, when we construct a carport .... hurray, I can have more climbers!
     
  15. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2005
    Messages:
    56,464
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Mid Kent
    Ratings:
    +110,232
    I have heard that you should use sharp gravel as opposed to shingle which is like small pebbles.
    The gravel beds down and doesn't keep moving around like shingle does. [​IMG]
     
Loading...

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice