Which Licuala do well in Southern California?

[rprimbs]

I want to get a Licuala -- with big leaves -- but I want to get one that will do well here in Escondido, Southern California. What are some of the best choices?

[Jim in Los Altos]

I can't necessarily speak for your area but up here in the Bay Area where I am, L.peltata 'sumawongii does very well as do L. spinosa and ramsayi. They all handle winter well. We don't have summer Santa Ana-like events up here and, if you get those types of hot dry winds, Licuala won't enjoy it and planting them in a wind sheltered position would be advisable.

L. peltata 'sumawongii' L. ramsayi

[Bags]

I second peltata and ramsayi. Both are doing well in my yard. ramsayi also handles a fair amount of sun for me on the coast.

[Walter John]

Two of the best looking and hardiest as above, also spinosa.

[Geoff]

Licuala spinosa and radula (though new name I think?) do very well in California. Licuala spinosa is easily the hardiest of the Licualas.

[DoomsDave]

Ramsayi, and peltata grow for me, too. Ramsayi is head and shoulders the best grower.

[akamu]

LICUALA RAMSAYI has been the best grower licuala distans has been a good grower also a little bit slower. It has only been in the ground through 2 winters but looks fantastic Licuala spinosa has been suuuper slow probably due to not enough sun.

[Jeff Searle]

Although very new on the palm circuit, Licuala fordiana should handle long periods of cooler weather. Native to China, it's been so far a very easy palm to grow here in south Florida.

[Matt in SD]

L fordiana is doing great for me. Actually better than any other Licuala I've grown here (L peltata, L ramsayi, Lanonia dasyantha included). It's only been in the ground through one winter though.

Matt

[DoomsDave]

L. Spinosa will grow here, but it's slower than Congress with constipation. A one-gallon plant planted in 2008 was a 1-gallon 2012, and stepped on in 2013.