Question
QUESTION: We are putting in a pool and I have been working on designing our backyard getaway. I have had queens in the past and when they get tall the care can be difficult. I like the Sylvester Palm, but don't really have the space. I will probably do some Pygmy Date Palms.  I would like to add some other palms and I really like the foxtail, but we are in zone 9b (East Coast of Central Florida) and I have read mixed reviews as well as been told by some of the local suppliers that it may not be the best choice. Can you share your thoughts?

ANSWER: I agree with everything in your question, foxtails and  christmas palms are a cold risk in 9b and Sylvesters spread too wide and have formidable spikes that can be a danger; This leaves Pygmy Dates, which are a good choice for their cold tolerance and smaller size, but can be high maintenance and tricky with their smaller thorns. There really aren't any other choices except Arecas, which are easy to maintain, inexpensive but will get stung by the cold as they others, the difference being, they will come back from the ground with little effect, whereas the others usually will succumb. Nick

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QUESTION: Nick,

I currently have and have had in the past the pygmy date palms and fortunately they have held up well. I was hoping to add some taller palms other then the Queen if possible. I do like arecas, but have experienced the yellowing after a good frost. Any other palm ideas? Is there a way to do Foxtails and protect them?

Answer
Yes, but it is an effort, but if you consider that you may only need to do it a half dozen times a Winter, then it is worth it; when the weather threatens to drop below freezing, wrap the heart (which is the green section just below the lower fronds..) with a quality frost fabric and then set a flood lamp (with a clamp..) just above the heart pointing up into the fronds, but not coming in contact with them. Finally, cover the area at the soil level with a layer of thick mulch or even a blanket, to insulate the root system. Turn the flood light on just before bedtime and this will radiate enough heat into the fronds to protect them, the frost fabric will insulate the heart (this is the most important!!) and the blanket or mulch will insulate the root system. Again, I do this, and it may seem extreme, but it is worth protecting a $3-$400 dollar palm. The frost fabric I used is called "N-sulate", if you google it, you will see its benefits, not just for protecting the palms, but any frost sensitive plant.