[quote=threadkiller]sdrealtor-do you wish you had plucked that little guy up when it was small? I planted a queen palm at my last place,I think it was 6ft tall at the time,after 5 years I think it got to 8-9ft. So things don’t always grow the way you think they will. I’m trying to decide/find the perfect tree to plant in the yard of our new place. I know what I don’t want-anything that drops leaves,eucalyptus,pine needles,if anybody has suggestions I’m open. I’m thinking king palm. Anybody try planting coconut trees here in southern california,seems like they should thrive but I don’t see them here.[/quote]
A King palm way more attractive than a Queen palm, but not anywhere near as cold tolerant. They are self-cleaning so you don’t have to cut off the old dead fronds. It’s a great choice if you live in an area that rarely goes below freezing and never goes below 28F (e.g.: not a good choice for Poway). The leaves will be damaged at 28F and the tree will may die at 26F. There are a couple of species that are commonly labeled as King palms by nurseries. The one that’s most cold tolerant, and hence the best choice for anywhere more than a mile from the coast, is “Archontophoenix cunninghamiana”. It also goes by the common names of Bangalow Palm and Piccabeen Palm. King and Queen palms both need moist soil and palm specific fertilizer (includes required micro-nutrients) in order to look their best. They can look pretty skanky otherwise.
It’s extremely difficult to grow a coconut palm in California. They don’t do well in temps below 50F and they have essentially zero tolerance for frost. If you want a reliable, tropical looking palm your best bet is a King Palm.
