Location to plant Cycas Revoluta

[jwf1983]

I realize that Sagos tend to like partial sun/shade.

I'm wondering what matters the most when planting Cycas Revoluta beyond it's traditional range:

-Does the same logic apply Partial Sun/Partial Shade (4-6 hours of sunlight a day)?

-Does full sunlight matter more in cooler climates (particularly during winter) to off-set more frequently cold temperatures?

 

I realize the likely (negative) outcome of this, given my location near downtown Washington, DC., however I've had this particular specimen potted and outside year round for nearly 7 years now.  Winter protection has only amounted to burlap overtop on the coldest nights or with frozen precip. forecasted  Despite certain winters being harder on it than others with some browning on lower leaves, this specimen has still produced a new flush all but one year.  I've read that a new flush is typical spring into summer in it's typical growing zone.  My Sagos tend to flush mid-late July, and even into the first week of August.  As a result, their success seems highly dependent on very warm autumn and early winter, which we have had for several years.

 

I'm hoping anyone can provide some insight into the best location to plant Cycas Revoluta in a fenced in yard with full 360 degree exposure in location with colder winters than typical for this species.

 -

[Jubaea_James760]

Cycas Revoulta can take extreme amounts of sun no problem. In the Desert southwest is where'd they would do better in partial sun. 

I've recently had one of my Cycas Revoulta push out a flush in January. I usually get 2 to 3 flushes a year so I guess it depends on your location with the flushes. But in the ground they definitely speed up. 

I'd plant your sago in a spot where it gets morning sun in the winter. Sun is your friend in winter, the more the better. 

Goodluck 

 

[jwf1983]

Thanks, James.  I appreciate the feedback.  I'm familiar with your area, having lived a number of years in Southern California.  I miss it very much this time year since moving east.  While our locations/climates are very different, I believe you answered my general question.   While the long term survival of Cycas Revoluta, even within the warmer microclimate/UHI downtown in Washington, DC, is likely doubtful, I'd like to give them the best possible shot (planting location) for survival.  If good sunlight can help mitigate some of the coldest nighttime lows,  I will likely plant in the location with the best early morning sunlight possible.

[DreaminAboutPalms]

Sun definitely helps. There are 4 sagos outside my apartment complex leasing office in Austin: the two in direct sun came back from last year’s freeze and look great whereas two in shade only came back from roots with one later dying  

[oasis371]

If you can protect them from winter precipitation, that would be a big plus!

[SeanK]

Plant on a berm to mitigate rotting. If you can keep frost off them in winter yet give them sun, it helps to prevent defoliation.