Hydriastele beguinii Obi Island In California?

[joe_OC]

Has anyone tried this palm in Southern California?

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

[joe_OC]

I guess this is beyond zone pushing....  

 

 

[PalmatierMeg]

I'm not in CA but I have a young one in a pot on the back lanai. It's done well the past 18-24 months under shadecloth. Lots of rain/irrigation, heat & humidity most of the year. During winter/dry season I've found it can take nights down to low 50s, upper 40s, but day temps rebound to upper 60s to upper 70s. If lows fall below 45F, it comes indoors with the other uber tropicals. No rain or watering if temps below 60. You may be able to grow it as a potted tropical but I doubt it could survive planted or outside a conservatory.

[joe_OC]

Thanks, Meg.  If you are doing that in Cape Coral, I have no business trying to grow it in SoCal!  I was just reading how Jeff Searle had one to 8' tall before it succumbed to 32 degree low.  Others have stated that the palm can take mid 30's as well.  But, South Florida's winters are much shorter than SoCal winters.

Edited August 30, 2019 by joe_OC

[PalmatierMeg]

I would never risk leaving it out below 40F. I do have a Hydriastele dransfieldii I planted deep in my back yard jungle when it grew too tall for the screened lanai. It will be going into its 3rd winter coming up but we've been fortunate lows haven't fallen below 40F before rebounding. This species is surprisingly tough for a Hydriastele but I'm not sure it could take down to freezing without protection so I fear its time is limited. This summer it may have flowered but I see no sign of any seeds.

[redant]

I have several small ones that at some point will be planted out when they get to big for the porch. Zone 10ish in FL

Edited August 31, 2019 by redant

[TomJ]

I originally saw this post in early March when I ordered 2 FB 1 gallons.

Planted both out mid March, still chilly nights.

They breezed through Summer opening new leaves and 100% California spears.

The killing months are ahead. If they're alive all post a picture next year.

[redant]

I have found these to be super easy porch palms, my favorite. Someday though they will have to try to survive in the ground but until then loving them in pot.

[realarch]

Those look great Doug! There is a good reason why this is such a sought after palm. 

Tim

[redant]

On 9/24/2021 at 2:44 PM, realarch said:

Those look great Doug! There is a good reason why this is such a sought after palm. 

Tim

So beautiful and so easy other then it's cold hardiness.