Verschaffeltia splendida surprised winter winners

[happypalms]

I thought for sure these verschaffeltia would be burned to crisp by now in the cold, others are failing around them. This is there first winter outside of the hothouse, so iam surprised they are hanging in there and actually look quite good apart from the slug damage. I purchased the seeds from cairns area so not really acclimated as cool tolerant seeds. These 4 are the sole surviving ones from 30 seedlings I germinated. I did sell one to an another collector. So far there holding up well and with the next couple of weeks our coldest time of the season, it’s going to be interesting to see if they make it. 

[peachy]

Mine have now seen 2 winters here and apart from a few leaf spots, they cope quite well with the cold.  When they are big enough to plant and see their first winter in the ground will be the big test for survivability.

Peachy

[happypalms]

16 minutes ago, peachy said:

Mine have now seen 2 winters here and apart from a few leaf spots, they cope quite well with the cold.  When they are big enough to plant and see their first winter in the ground will be the big test for survivability.

Peachy

That’s encouraging for you 2 winters. My ones don’t even have a cold spot on them. I was told that they won’t grow no matter what I do in my area. So this winter will be the test alright, But you gotta try. They are such a spectacular palm well worth the persistence in trying.

Richard 

[peachy]

4 minutes ago, happypalms said:

That’s encouraging for you 2 winters. My ones don’t even have a cold spot on them. I was told that they won’t grow no matter what I do in my area. So this winter will be the test alright, But you gotta try. They are such a spectacular palm well worth the persistence in trying.

Richard 

I love how people who couldn't find where you live on a google map are the very experts that tell you all the things that won't stand a chance in your garden.

Peachy

[happypalms]

4 minutes ago, peachy said:

I love how people who couldn't find where you live on a google map are the very experts that tell you all the things that won't stand a chance in your garden.

Peachy

Oh if i listened to what was said, and what I read about it’s to cold for that plant to live in my climate. I would have a pretty boring generic garden full of golden canes and Alexander palms, along with Xanadu plants and those agave things you see for free on the kerbside pickup. Iam glad iam a zone pusher it definitely pays off in the plant department.

Richard 

[Harry’s Palms]

2 hours ago, happypalms said:

Oh if i listened to what was said, and what I read about it’s to cold for that plant to live in my climate. I would have a pretty boring generic garden full of golden canes and Alexander palms, along with Xanadu plants and those agave things you see for free on the kerbside pickup. Iam glad iam a zone pusher it definitely pays off in the plant department.

Richard 

Yep , absolutely agree. If I had listened to sage advice I would not have my Roystonia Oleracae! Phil at Jungle Music was very convincing that it would NOT survive one year , actually insisted.. I really wanted it ( called Venezuelana  back then ) because of the supposed thinner trunk , smaller size. The palm will let you know what it wants . If you can grow a  Vershafeltia….go for it ! Ya never know. Harry

I am sure it would look better in a more tropical climate but I love it . The advice I got here on PT is helping immensely. It just wanted more water . If you look at the lowest frond on the right , you can see how they are slowly getting larger and the crown is fuller. 

[Rubberboots]

Stilt palm🤔

[Harry’s Palms]

@Rubberboots yes , stilt palm and super cool but will most likely die here. A very tropical climate is needed. For us , it would go beyond pushing the zone. Harry

‘From The Huntington glass house.

[happypalms]

14 hours ago, Harry’s Palms said:

Yep , absolutely agree. If I had listened to sage advice I would not have my Roystonia Oleracae! Phil at Jungle Music was very convincing that it would NOT survive one year , actually insisted.. I really wanted it ( called Venezuelana  back then ) because of the supposed thinner trunk , smaller size. The palm will let you know what it wants . If you can grow a  Vershafeltia….go for it ! Ya never know. Harry

I am sure it would look better in a more tropical climate but I love it . The advice I got here on PT is helping immensely. It just wanted more water . If you look at the lowest frond on the right , you can see how they are slowly getting larger and the crown is fuller. 

The old saying see this rule book, as I throw it out the window! Nice royal as well the crownshaft is pretty spectacular! 
Richard 

[happypalms]

13 hours ago, Rubberboots said:

Stilt palm🤔

Yep that’s the one!