A Canopy Palm?

[Scott]

Hi, I really need some advice for a palm that provides a good canopy for others, yet loves the sun.

There probably isn't one, But I'm thinking long term for my Archontophoenix Cunningham. This summer is our hottest on record, and honestly I don't believe future years will be any better.

I appreciate any help

Scott

[Shon]

The palms I like to use for canopy are kentias.I live in Lake San Marcos and we have been averaging in the mid 80's and they doing great and sheltering my rarer stuff at the same time.The only thing is to find ones that are sun grown.I know a good place to get 15 to 20 gal triples if you need help finding a place to purchase them.

                                       Shon

[MattyB]

Hmmmm, that's a tough one Scott.  People usually use Archontophoenix as their canopy because they are so fast and do fine in full sun (when past small size).  But if you're looking for a canopy for those.....???   Are there any Kings growing in your neighborhood?  I'm sure there are.  How do they look?  See if you can find one that's getting bigger and is taken care of.  Find one that is obviously getting enough water and take a look at how it's doing.  I suspect that you might find inspiration in a well grown King in your area.  If there are none...well, you're asking the right question:  what else can I use to shade these Kings, and other stuff.  Here's what comes to mind:

Schizolobium (deciduous tree)

Washingtonia (sorry)

Queens (I like 'em and they are fast, cheap, upright & tall)

Bamboo (?)

Paulownia tomentosa aka Sapphire Dragon Tree (very fast deciduous tree)

Caryota urens

Caryota gigas

stil thinking.....

[MattyB]

...Maybe some strategically placed clumps of large Musa sp.

[Scott]

Thanks guys for the suggestions!

I did consider the Kentia, but quickly came to the conclusion that it too would suffer in out 107 degree sun.

Matty, there is an Archontophoenix a few houses down. It's doing better than mine, but it does have some serious burn. There's another house with a yard FULL of them, some burned but most beautiful. They must be a palm person!

You gave so many intersting possibilities. I love the Queen Palm - and it's funny you mention that. I just bought a tiny double Queen - it's only two feet tall! That one might take a while.

The Caryotas are amazing! I'm seriously considering one of these. Roughly speaking, do you know the life span of the caryota gigas?

I didn't know about te Sapphire Dragon Tree. I'm getting two 15 gallon Bambusa Oldhamiis put in in about a week and a half for shading on the west side of the house. The Sapphire Dragon Tree would really compliment them.  

I would have used oldahmii as a screen for the King, but there's not enough room long term.

One last thing, Your idea of the Musa might just be it. I have a 5 gallon Strelitzia Nicolai - so It's about 3' tall, plus a Musa Cardaba that has tripled it's size in a month and a half. Alot of good ideas.

You really came up with some cool stuff! Thanks!

PS, after the Oldhamii goes in, I hope to post 'before and after' pics of the yard - become garden.

[Shon]

Sorry Scott didn't even notice where you lived.Yeah no way the kentias would survive out there.Matty had a couple of good ideas though.

                                            Shon