Mule Palm Experiment

[Rider6]

@sevapalms how’s it holding up ? I’m planning to get one for zone 8A in South Carolina.

[palmofmyhand]

On 3/11/2025 at 9:55 AM, Rider6 said:

@sevapalms how’s it holding up ? I’m planning to get one for zone 8A in South Carolina.

also wondering the same 

[sevapalms]

It has been a while since I last logged on, but I wanted to give an update given I had a few requests. My family moved out of state (from SE Virginia) in summer 2022, so we could no longer take care of the palm. The palm was alive and well when we left, but when I visited in fall 2024, it was no longer there. It may not have survived one of the winters in that time period. 
 

Wanted to share a pic of it in its prime. Definitely still think zone pushing mules in Zone 8 (and perhaps lower) is worth it!

[EricTrey]

We live in N Houston, and after losing all our palms and fruit trees to the polar vortex freeze in 2021, we decided to start covering when temps drop below 24. 
It’s work, but we order 40’x40’ 4mil plastic and put heat lamps under. The canopy droops a little when we pull it off and fronds look a little beat up, but it’s better than the alternative. Problem is, the sun shines and temps hit 60+ before the final sub 25 degree night, so we run shop fans under the plastic during the day to keep them from sun scorch till we can finally remove it. 
This has kept our 12 year old Mule palm healthy for the last 3 years we’ve had it in the ground. People say it’s too much work for them, but Christmas lights are just as much work and you only get a month to enjoy. We love our mule and it’s worth it to us to sit and watch the lacy fronds dance in the wind all year.  Such a beautiful hybrid palm species.