S. louisiana Bluestem

[JSKeys]

I decided to move a little (one zone) out of my comfort zone and try out S. louisiana Bluestem. I just got these 1 gallons from Mail Order Natives and they look very healthy with a good size root ball. They'll spend the winter in pots and then get planted in the Spring.

For many years I've played it safe with the pretty much bulletproof dwarf palmetto, needle and windmill palms. If we get a truly zone 7a winter after they go in the ground these bluestems may be toasted, but I'll chance it. 

Does anyone else have experience with S louisiana in zone 7a?

Edited November 17, 2018 by JSKeys

[kinzyjr]

Personally, no experience with this species, but it definitely experiences at least single digits once in a while in its native habitat.  Hardiness is often lumped in with Sabal minor, so the reports of it surviving below 0F on this site aren't that unreasonable:

https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/92706/

[JSKeys]

14 minutes ago, kinzyjr said:

Personally, no experience with this species, but it definitely experiences at least single digits once in a while in its native habitat.  Hardiness is often lumped in with Sabal minor, so the reports of it surviving below 0F on this site aren't that unreasonable:

https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/92706/

Great info from that site, especially in the comments section.

And for only $9.00 for a 1 gallon I definitely feel better about this palm.

Thanks

Edited November 17, 2018 by JSKeys

[Manalto]

I go to Dave's a lot to check the behavior of plants because a lot of the commenters are ordinary (albeit avid) gardeners, not professional growers. It helps me understand how a plant will perform under less-than-ideal conditions. I particularly like the "This plant has been said to grow in the following regions" section. It helps where zone designation isn't enough.

Thanks, JS, for making me aware of this palm. I've got a spot for it!

 

[sashaeffer]

Don't know about this specific "bluestem" species, but I will say the usual blue S. Louisiana species is VERY VERY cold hardy. I have a few in the ground in my 5b/6a zone that I do protect but in the beginning the protection was VERY minimal with virtually no thermal protection, just a clear plastic pop up greenouse with mini christmas lights inside which

probably didn't do much at all but palm rockets through winter every year. Last winter we had 1 night of -20f  ambient temp, NOT windchill and while palms outside were protected I'm sure the lights inside had a tough time keeping up. Wireless temp sensors I have in select palms were recording 0-5F inside, yet all made it.

 

I think you'll have great success with the species.

[sashaeffer]

On 11/17/2018, 10:08:53, JSKeys said:

I decided to move a little (one zone) out of my comfort zone and try out S. louisiana Bluestem. I just got these 1 gallons from Mail Order Natives and they look very healthy with a good size root ball. They'll spend the winter in pots and then get planted in the Spring.

For many years I've played it safe with the pretty much bulletproof dwarf palmetto, needle and windmill palms. If we get a truly zone 7a winter after they go in the ground these bluestems may be toasted, but I'll chance it. 

Does anyone else have experience with S louisiana in zone 7a?

Those look so good, just ordered a pair for myself. Glad you posted this.

[mdsonofthesouth]

Wow never heard of these folks! They have all 3 pine trees Im looking to try to "grove"/""pineflat" as well as the palms I want to go with the pines too! Now I need to find a yucca source. Going to try those bluestem for sure! Those look awesome by the way! 

[sashaeffer]

Bought a couple myself and was impressed with packaging and that I requested that they wait until after I was back from vacation to ship. Probably one of the only palms I would take a chance on having shipped to me this time of year. Will see how they do in their pots over the winter indoors.

 

I have come to realize that the S. Louisiana species...for me...and my area is probably one of the top 3 most tough and cold hard palms to have in a cold climate.. Even more so than regular Sabal Minor