Crownshafted palms for Sacramento California (zone 9b)

[user.10394059]

I already have 2 groupings of Archontophoenix cunninghamiana, they are doing great and are growing very fast (water and fertilizer hogs!). I would like to have some other crownshafted palms that are tried and true for the central valley. I have 3 spots I want something planted, one against a west facing fence, one under the neighbour's cottonwood tree and one against a fence that gets full sun. I have seen many Dypsis Decipiens online doing great In my area but they are hard to come by. Ive seen a foxtail outside a shopping center in Elk Grove (suburb of Sacramento). allthough it was skinny it seemed to be doing well and has been there for 4 years. Im afraid that they are marginal in our climate. 

[user.10394059]

Im open to a majesty palm but most of the majestys you find are greenhouse grown and in horrible condition when you buy them. I have seen some trunking majestys in Sacramento but they were always underwatered.

[SeanK]

The Majesties definitely need a lot of water. Since they're marginal for you, I would wait until springtime. Meanwhile, try to acquire a nice one in February and slowly acclimate it to increasing sunshine. Plant it in April.

If you're planting in the back yard, you could cheat with smaller, z10a species and cover a few times each winter. The neighbors will never know.

[user.10394059]

4 hours ago, SeanK said:

The Majesties definitely need a lot of water. Since they're marginal for you, I would wait until springtime. Meanwhile, try to acquire a nice one in February and slowly acclimate it to increasing sunshine. Plant it in April.

If you're planting in the back yard, you could cheat with smaller, z10a species and cover a few times each winter. The neighbors will never know.

do you think I could plant somethinng more marginal over here since it has over head protection? I dont know how much protection it really provides because these trees drop their leaves in the winter but im hoping its enough for something different. 

[user.10394059]

Ive read that Dypsis leptocheilos is hardys to zone about 25f (zone 9b) , but I dont know if the cool wet winters would do it in like other "9b" palms.

[SeanK]

A canopy helps but I would never rely on it 100%.

[Rivera]

Anecdotal evidence suggests Chrysalidocarpus (Dypsis) onilahensis (weeping form only) might be hardy for you. It is an attractive dypsis said to tolerate heat and cold, and it comes from a somewhat drier part of Madagascar. They're out there, a bit of work to find one though. A search on this forum will provide photos and info. 

Greenhouse grown Ravenea rivularis can be adapted to outdoor conditions if you don't rush it. My climate is milder, but I've seen many former houseplants exiled to the outdoors and they do okay given a bit of water. The real issue is that they're still in pots. And they're thirsty as you mentioned. I would pass for that reason. Ravenea aren't crown shafted either, but if you're not strict on that criteria you might consider Ravenea glauca for a protected spot. Much smaller than rivularis, and often slow, so they could be kept under canopy. They're pretty tough, but I would still place one with consideration. 

[user.10394059]

 

On 7/9/2025 at 9:46 AM, Rivera said:

Anecdotal evidence suggests Chrysalidocarpus (Dypsis) onilahensis (weeping form only) might be hardy for you. It is an attractive dypsis said to tolerate heat and cold, and it comes from a somewhat drier part of Madagascar. They're out there, a bit of work to find one though. A search on this forum will provide photos and info. 

Greenhouse grown Ravenea rivularis can be adapted to outdoor conditions if you don't rush it. My climate is milder, but I've seen many former houseplants exiled to the outdoors and they do okay given a bit of water. The real issue is that they're still in pots. And they're thirsty as you mentioned. I would pass for that reason. Ravenea aren't crown shafted either, but if you're not strict on that criteria you might consider Ravenea glauca for a protected spot. Much smaller than rivularis, and often slow, so they could be kept under canopy. They're pretty tough, but I would still place one with consideration. 

sorry for the late response, ive heard that dypsis onlahensis is hardy here but its such a slow grower in our climate, I would like something large, solitary and fast growing . I was considering majesties because they are self cleaning,  the tree behind me grows very very fast and will match the rate of a fast growing palm so the canopy wont ever be constricted. Do you guys know of anything that like that that will work here? 

[user.10394059]

I was also considering a bismark but i think id rather plant that in the front yard as a kind of statement palm, they have 15 gallon plants at my local greenacres for 300 dollars

[Rivera]

2 minutes ago, user.10394059 said:

 

sorry for the late response, ive heard that dypsis onlahensis is hardy here but its such a slow grower in our climate, I would like something large, solitary and fast growing . I was considering majesties because they are self cleaning,  the tree behind me grows very very fast and will match the rate of a fast growing palm so the canopy wont ever be constricted. Do you guys know of anything that like that that will work here? 

Most fast-growers are water hogs, but a mule wouldn't be as demanding if you like that look. Not a crown shafted palm, but they're pretty clean. Moderate - fast growth, ultimately large sized, full sun. They can look pretty different, so hunt for one you like if you go that route. Avoid any that show unhealthy looking leaves/necrotic spotting no matter how low the price is. This can be an issue with mules. Affordable if you buy small.

[user.10394059]

 

4 minutes ago, Rivera said:

Most fast-growers are water hogs, but a mule wouldn't be as demanding if you like that look. Not a crown shafted palm, but they're pretty clean. Moderate - fast growth, ultimately large sized, full sun. They can look pretty different, so hunt for one you like if you go that route. Avoid any that show unhealthy looking leaves/necrotic spotting no matter how low the price is. This can be an issue with mules. Affordable if you buy small.

ive already considered the water needs and have had a irrigation system installed, ive seen a foxtail at a shopping mall do you think if I water and fertilize them heavy foxtails will work out here?

[Rivera]

10 minutes ago, user.10394059 said:

 

ive already considered the water needs and have had a irrigation system installed, ive seen a foxtail at a shopping mall do you think if I water and fertilize them heavy foxtails will work out here?

Wodyetia bifurcata show up in big box stores here in N Cal but they're marginal at best. You could try if you want to push. Minimum temps and frost are bigger issues for this palm than the dry heat. 

You said you want a fast palm, but if you're willing to tolerate the slow growth, Dypsis decipiens would be a really special palm that would be more likely to survive and thrive. It's slow and you'll have to go to a specialty nursery to find one, but it's got everything else going for it. Could be worth it if you plan to stay at your property long term. 

[user.10394059]

i wanted a dypsis decipiens but theyre so hard to find!!, I havent seen any foxtails come up at stores but that foxtail in the picture has survived for 4 years without any protection on a west facing wall

[user.10394059]

do you know any speciality nursury near sacramento?

6 minutes ago, Rivera said:

Wodyetia bifurcata show up in big box stores here in N Cal but they're marginal at best. You could try if you want to push. Minimum temps and frost are bigger issues for this palm than the dry heat. 

You said you want a fast palm, but if you're willing to tolerate the slow growth, Dypsis decipiens would be a really special palm that would be more likely to survive and thrive. It's slow and you'll have to go to a specialty nursery to find one, but it's got everything else going for it. Could be worth it if you plan to stay at your property long term. 

 

[Rubberboots]

@user.10394059 probably in SoCal for sure...i want a Manambe and Triangle palm again.

[user.10394059]

ill be on the lookout if I go to socal anytime soon then!

[Rivera]

1 minute ago, user.10394059 said:

do you know any speciality nursury near sacramento?

 

My brother used to live in Sacramento but I don't know the area well.

Realistically, you'd be looking at a very small sized Dypsis decipiens as you're unlikely to find a large plant (and it would be very expensive). The good thing about that is you might be able to call around the reputable SoCal nurseries and get one shipped to you. 

You could also try calling Palm Island in Vacaville to see if they have or can get this plant. That's the closest place I can think of. 

[user.10394059]

ill ask if palm island can ship some out here, if i get that it leaves 2 more spits for palms what else can grow out here?

[Rubberboots]

@user.10394059 LOOK!

 

https://www.goldengatepalms.com/palms

[Fusca]

How about Cyphophoenix elegans?  It's reportedly pretty hardy to cold - I planted mine on Palm Sunday this year.  I don't think anyone would ship Dypsis decipiens except maybe Jungle Music - it's risky.

[user.10394059]

16 minutes ago, Rubberboots said:

@user.10394059 LOOK!

 

https://www.goldengatepalms.com/palms

I need to go visit and see the inventory next spring!!

[user.10394059]

16 minutes ago, Fusca said:

How about Cyphophoenix elegans?  It's reportedly pretty hardy to cold - I planted mine on Palm Sunday this year.  I don't think anyone would ship Dypsis decipiens except maybe Jungle Music - it's risky.

i searched it up they do look pretty simlar to dypsis decipiens, are they as slow growing? also where are you located because some people have recommended me some palms that grow in zone 9b florida but wont out in our zone 9b

[user.10394059]

funny thing, I was driving around midtown the other day and seen 3 small dypsis decipians growing in someones front yard, I wish I saved the address so I could ask where they got them from!

[Fusca]

16 minutes ago, user.10394059 said:

i searched it up they do look pretty simlar to dypsis decipiens, are they as slow growing? also where are you located because some people have recommended me some palms that grow in zone 9b florida but wont out in our zone 9b

They're faster than decipiens.  I'm in deep South Texas near Brownsville and it's growing great in our high heat and humidity.  There's several SoCal guys growing both elegans and nucele with great success.  As far as cold, there's a guy in zone 9a Houston growing one with minimal winter protection.  @JEFF IN MODESTO grew an awesome decipiens that was rehomed a year or so ago (grew too close to his house).  They're a tough grow for most of us east of CA but if you go that route I would buy in person.

[user.10394059]

13 minutes ago, Fusca said:

They're faster than decipiens.  I'm in deep South Texas near Brownsville and it's growing great in our high heat and humidity.  There's several SoCal guys growing both elegans and nucele with great success.  As far as cold, there's a guy in zone 9a Houston growing one with minimal winter protection.  @JEFF IN MODESTO grew an awesome decipiens that was rehomed a year or so ago (grew too close to his house).  They're a tough grow for most of us east of CA but if you go that route I would buy in person.

ill be on the lookout for them, I think id like them more since they are faster growing! 

so as for now I have picked, c. elegans and ive searched and maybe a flamethrower palm since I seen a video on them, do you think that they will work here?

[Rubberboots]

1 hour ago, user.10394059 said:

I need to go visit and see the inventory next spring!!

@user.10394059 keep me updated please.

[Fusca]

12 hours ago, user.10394059 said:

ill be on the lookout for them, I think id like them more since they are faster growing! 

so as for now I have picked, c. elegans and ive searched and maybe a flamethrower palm since I seen a video on them, do you think that they will work here?

I got my 15-gal C. elegans from Palm Plantation in Riverside.  https://www.palmplantation.net/  The flamethrower would probably be OK for some years but would probably need protection on the extreme cold nights.  I'm not sure how much cold they can take but the claim of 20°F on the Palmpedia.net page is not accurate!

[Rubberboots]

14 hours ago, Fusca said:

How about Cyphophoenix elegans?  It's reportedly pretty hardy to cold - I planted mine on Palm Sunday this year.  I don't think anyone would ship Dypsis decipiens except maybe Jungle Music - it's risky.

I would really like a couple of these to try💪🏾

[BayAndroid]

Jungle music had some C. Decipiens very recently. If you're interested, give them a call. 

[user.10394059]

4 hours ago, Fusca said:

I got my 15-gal C. elegans from Palm Plantation in Riverside.  https://www.palmplantation.net/  The flamethrower would probably be OK for some years but would probably need protection on the extreme cold nights.  I'm not sure how much cold they can take but the claim of 20°F on the Palmpedia.net page is not accurate!

I was reading a post about R.borinquena being able to take our cool winters better than regia, I have clay soil would I have to amend it to grow r.borinquena? I was thinking of buying a ton of earthworms and compost to help loosen up my soil.

[Jim in Los Altos]

20 hours ago, Fusca said:

They're faster than decipiens.  I'm in deep South Texas near Brownsville and it's growing great in our high heat and humidity.  There's several SoCal guys growing both elegans and nucele with great success.  As far as cold, there's a guy in zone 9a Houston growing one with minimal winter protection.  @JEFF IN MODESTO grew an awesome decipiens that was rehomed a year or so ago (grew too close to his house).  They're a tough grow for most of us east of CA but if you go that route I would buy in person.

Jeff’s decipiens died unfortunately after being transplanted. 

[Jim in Los Altos]

3 hours ago, user.10394059 said:

I was reading a post about R.borinquena being able to take our cool winters better than regia, I have clay soil would I have to amend it to grow r.borinquena? I was thinking of buying a ton of earthworms and compost to help loosen up my soil.

I had a R. borinquena for several years but eventually removed it due to its dismally slow growth here. The Foxy Lady Palm right next to where the Royal was is growing like a weed and is over twenty feet tall with 6-8” spaces between trunk ring in the same number of years. 

[Fusca]

44 minutes ago, Jim in Los Altos said:

Jeff’s decipiens died unfortunately after being transplanted. 

😭 Hate to hear that!  I had hoped he'd keep it where it was and not remove it.  At least yours is doing well.

[user.10394059]

2 hours ago, Jim in Los Altos said:

I had a R. borinquena for several years but eventually removed it due to its dismally slow growth here. The Foxy Lady Palm right next to where the Royal was is growing like a weed and is over twenty feet tall with 6-8” spaces between trunk ring in the same number of years. 

I was thinking that our winters might stunt them even if they did survive, i might try to find a foxy lady to try

[Rubberboots]

5 hours ago, user.10394059 said:

I was reading a post about R.borinquena being able to take our cool winters better than regia, I have clay soil would I have to amend it to grow r.borinquena? I was thinking of buying a ton of earthworms and compost to help loosen up my soil.

Buy this

[Rubberboots]

11 minutes ago, user.10394059 said:

I was thinking that our winters might stunt them even if they did survive, i might try to find a foxy lady to try

What is a foxy lady so I can try?

[user.10394059]

30 minutes ago, Rubberboots said:

Buy this

This is what I buy whenever I plant new palms! A foxy lady is a hybrid between a foxtail (wodyetia bifurcata) and the montgomnery palm(veitchia arecina). Its aparently more cold hardy than regular foxtails and looks better in my opinion!

[Rubberboots]

@user.10394059 where can i buy one?

[user.10394059]

prob one of the special nursurys in socal, or you could search online and find seeds, im not entirely sure sadly