Palm overwintering advice for zone 7 Boise, Idaho vs. St. George, Utah

[Richar318]

Hey everyone,

I've been growing Palm trees in pots in Boise, Idaho for several years now and I've been wanting to put some in the ground. I've been watching James Palms on youtube and have decided to plant a couple in the ground this summer. However, I'd rather not go to all of the lengths he goes to if I don't have to do so. I've been looking for places similar to Boise where palms do grow, the closest thing I can find is St. George, Utah. So anyone from St. George on here I'd love to hear about your experiences with palms in the winter in St. George. 

Comparison of Boise/St. George climate

	Elevation	Rainfall	Coldest Ave	Warmest Ave
Boise	2700	11.7 in	37/24 (Dec)	95/64 (July)
St. George	2679	11.1 in	52/27 (Dec)	102/73 (July)

 

The biggest difference I see when I research winter weather in the two cities is that Boise almost always has a week or two where the temps drop into single digits. I think that is when I would need to have the most protection.  This is a comparison between December and January this past year of the two cities. 

 

 

Any thoughts you have about winter protection would be greatly appreciated. I want to plant a windmill palm and a Mexican or California fan palm. 

[Chester B]

I'm sorry but I don't think St George and Boise have similar winter conditions.  Plenty of videos on YouTube from St George showing an abundance of mature palms, whereas Boise isn't exactly in the palm belt. 

https://www.youtube.com/@southwesthardypalms/featured

He lives in SLC, but heads down to St George and shoots videos.  I think SLC is more comparable to Boise than St George.

There used to be a couple of members on here from your area but haven't seen them in some time.   Protection is required in your area, and not just frost cloth, you probably will need to go to similar lengths as James Palms - Boxed in with lights.   Or you can watch some of @Allen videos on his method.   Just trying to set some realistic expectations.  

@RyManUtah is from St George and I'm pretty sure he never needed any protection for his palms.  Haven't seen him in a while.

Good luck!

[Richar318]

Thanks for the links, I'll check them out!

 

[rprimbs]

Boise Idaho goes below zero Fahrenheit.  I have been there when it was -10.  I think it's closer to a 6b.