[spader]

Hi All

Sorry for another newbie question. We have a young maybe 1-2 year old about 50 cm (2') Chusan Palm in a pot. The root seems now too big for the pot, and it looks a bit tired.

Can it be planted outside in the back garden this winter? We are in central Scotland. It has been raining for almost 10 days constantly, and  the soil is soaked deep, and a few puddles appeared here and there now, but I know soon, there will be frost and cold winds, which may cause damage.

I heard that Chusan palms are fully hardy, but not sure if it is OK. This one has thick trunk on the base with some hairy fibres around it, and it looks quite sturdy.

Thanks

[DavidT]

I would not plant it out now. the ground is much too wet. Also Trachycarpus are only MODERATELY hardy in mild areas. I would suggest you transplant it into a bigger pot and treat it as a "pot" plant. Get it out of the weather and protect it from the cold and frosts.

[sunshineband]

David is right -- don't risk it 

Give it a nice new pot and some fresh soil. Oh, and a lovely snug house too

[Dane End]

We have ours outside, but we are in sunny hertfordshire. Ours is still only a couple of years old and so if we are due a hard frost or snow, we do fleece it.

[catllar]

When we lived in Berkshire our gaden had 6 of them in the ground (Our house was named Chusan House) - the tallest was about 7m high and they were as tough as old boots - even survived being set on fire accidentally by my dad (bonfire got a bit handy). The hairy outer stuff is a great insulation. They grow here in the mountains up to 700m altitude (possibly higher , but I don't know for sure) They can tolerate snow, but hate wet winter feet. Get 'em throught the first five years and you should be OK.