When to plant Washy Filifera in zone 7b?

[knikfar]

I just recieved four baby Washy Filifera's. Each is between 5 and 6 inches tall. I know this is going to be a palm that requires protection in my zone but I'm wondering when I should plant them? I have lots of sabal palms about the same size that I planted last year and they sailed through the winter, completely unprotected with no damage at all. I've also read some of these trunking palms are hardier when small because they're focussing on establishing their roots vs gaining height where they'll be more exposed. At the moment, I have them potted and I'm thinking I'll keep them this way over the winter and plant them in late February, when all danger of temps in the teens has passed. Anyone have any advice? Should I put some in the ground now and take a chance? 

[PalmatierMeg]

Don't plant them. They are way too small to take your icy winters. Wait till spring of 2023. They will have problems in your wet winters in any case. 

[palmsOrl]

Yeah I would say mid- to -late March would be best.

-Michael

[knikfar]

There’s a guy in Winston-Salem with a HUGE washy. I should be a tad warmer here in Raleigh. And I know of a few large ones in Fayetteville to. So I’ll try and find a spot against my house for added protection 

[WSimpson]

• I grew one to a nice size over a couple of years  ,  but my 2018  , 100 year cold  event ,  where I didn't get above 32F for 8 days was too much for it . I easily could've kept it fine , but I used  a crappy protection method  when I knew better ways of protection . 
• I hear they get hardier and can handle more moisture  when they are more mature . I will check out that assumption next spring . 
• Will

[Jimhardy]

I think it depends on how much your willing to protect it...an umbrella greenhouse  

would work great, provide lots of heat and keep it dry but you would want to keep it

above 35F at that size....a Thermocube easily does this...on @35 off @45F with the

right amount of heat and insulation.....at the same time there is no rush as it should

take right off in spring.