Just saw some crazy healthy looking queen palms today in El Paso, TX (one on the left that’s harder to see) and I thought I’d make an account to share after lurking this forum for over a year. I have seen a few around El Paso and in Juarez before but normally they are in rough shape or already dead. Last winter was particularly cold as it got down to 15 degrees one or two nights, but I feel as though the rock wall and the super dry climate (especially last year) may have saved these guys. Only minimal cold damage from last winter. They look well established, so does anyone know if queen palms are easy to grow in this zone? I doubt it, but maybe it’s more common than I think.

11 hours ago, Griego94 said:

Just saw some crazy healthy looking queen palms today in El Paso, TX (one on the left that’s harder to see) and I thought I’d make an account to share after lurking this forum for over a year. I have seen a few around El Paso and in Juarez before but normally they are in rough shape or already dead. Last winter was particularly cold as it got down to 15 degrees one or two nights, but I feel as though the rock wall and the super dry climate (especially last year) may have saved these guys. Only minimal cold damage from last winter. They look well established, so does anyone know if queen palms are easy to grow in this zone? I doubt it, but maybe it’s more common than I think.

Welcome to Palmtalk!  Syagrus romanzoffiana are more cold hardy than a lot of people think.  From what I have seen in Texas the ones that are mature with thicker trunks handle the cold much better.  I used to travel to El Paso often on business in the 1990's and can't remember a time where I didn't see any mature queen palms.  Apparently the drier cold is easier on them.  Prior to February 2021 there were several large queen palms in 8b Austin and Giddings.  They may not survive the abnormally cold nights in 9a but can survive several years with "normal" winters.  Since they grow very fast when given sufficient water and are cheap they're worth growing even if it's a gamble.