With encouragement from DoomsDave I'm documenting the planting of a Wodyetia bifurcata, a speices that can be a bit of a tough grow down here. I've grown wodyetia before (saved from the sick plant table at a hardware store) in my old garden at my parents house so it lived without much attention once I moved out. It was a victim of the big drought 2008. This new one was purchased late last autumn and has been living in a protected spot under the deck but shade has increasd in that area so I thought it best to get it in the ground while the soil is warm.

Before planting

Playing with position 

Preparing the hole, a generous helping of compost has been worked in.

Planted

Congrats! 

So you are ok with planting out in the middle of summer? I was going to wait until after the threat of summer heat waves has passed.

I must admit that with these cooler tropical leftover rain fronts that have been coming through, I too was going to planting out some those Autumn purchase.

37 minutes ago, hopper said:

So you are ok with planting out in the middle of summer? I was going to wait until after the threat of summer heat waves has passed.

I must admit that with these cooler tropical leftover rain fronts that have been coming through, I too was going to planting out some those Autumn purchase.

Yes Martin I'm fine with planting during this summer. When I dig my soil has moisture right through the soil profile which is really unusual for this time of year, I've also noticed hay is still being cut nearby and the feilds all have something green. I'm just taking advantage of this unusual year and planting in a much more conventional time. I normally like to plant with the opening autumn rain but this year there is no reason to wait. Due to the unseasonal rain I have rainwater in my tanks too I don't feel any guilt watering my garden. Wodyetia bifurcata is one I'd plant in the middle of summer regardless they are active during the warm season. I'm glad I did too as it was about to sent a big fat root out the bottom of its pot.

Wodyetia just love heat, heat, and more heat. I'd even put rocks or ornamental stones around it to boost mid winter soil temps. Even in Perth wodyetia could struggle a bit in winter, but in the right spot they just rocket away. It's all about soil temps I reckon. Your gravelly soil would be much to their liking too. Mucho mineralis.