Sabal Palm discussions

SteveW · Post by **SteveW** » Wed Aug 22, 2007 3:48 pm

Definately not a good year for nanas Sad
Most of mine are in terrible shape,except a few small ones that have taken shelter in the greenhouse.
I bought a Sabal Texana this year which I planted in what I thiught was quite a sheltered spot.
Its now looking like its going to be dug up,potted and kept somewhere else to recover.
Maybe Spain ar South of France Laughing
Most of my other Palms have been fine,even my large Trachycarpus hasn't been too trashed by this years Quirky summer,just the Sabal.Possibly the slowest growing plant I now own.
Steve

turtile · Post by **turtile** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 3:25 am

Sabal Texana requires much more heat than Sabal Minor. The native population is in Zone 10. (90's F all summer long)
Texana is only found in one area and is considered threatened. Many times Mexicana is sold under the name which is not very hardy.

Do they sell Sabal X Texensis? Its a lot hardier and faster growing.

SteveW · Post by **SteveW** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 5:25 am

Ah,that would explain the distinct lack of activity from it.We've probably only had a handful of hot weather this year.
Strangely I was informed that Texana was faster growing than Minor.I've not yet seen SabalXtexensis for sale,but that doesn't mean its not available over here.I'm sure someones probably growing it.
Steve

Post by **Dave Brown** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 7:13 am

Even Sabal Minor is slow here. My 31 year old from seed, is now happy in my covered courtyard, growing 3 leaves a year, but only grew one leaf a year outside, and was trashed by the wind. It is in Flower at the moment. Will take a pic when it stops drizzleing.

Here is a pic from last year.

Also see Sabal Minor page here http://www.hardytropicals.co.uk/Palms/Sabal_Minor.php

Gaz · Post by **Gaz** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 1:47 pm

Just planted a Sabal Minor two weeks ago. I know it's slow but no problems sailing through winter for you guys so far?

I've seen some Sabal Texanas being sold in Mulu last May, I do regret not getting them. Looked like taller versions of the S.minor.

turtile · Post by **turtile** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 2:32 pm

Your Sabal looks great! I only get about 2 leaves per year here so far.

Sabal Texana forms an above ground trunk while Sabal Minor stays mostly underground.

Sabal Uresana is most likely the fastest growing cold hardy trunking Sabal. I just started some seedlings and they have a nice blue coating.

Sabal Minor var. Louisiana is faster than Sabal Minor and forms a few feet of trunk.

Here they are in their native habitat:
http://www.amazinggardens.com/louisiana.html

Large Sabal Minors in the northern range:
http://www.garysnursery.com/BigMinors.html

Post by **Dave Brown** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 7:05 pm

I have relocated the above posts from the Wind, Wind, Wind topic as I feel the Sabal Palm subject would benefit from its own topic. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Post by **Dave Brown** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 9:01 pm

Here is the pic I promised of Sabal in flower.

IMG NO LONGER EXISTS

More pics, only a few at the moment here - URL NO LONGER EXISTS

SteveW · Post by **SteveW** » Fri Aug 24, 2007 1:24 pm

Thats a very nice palm Dave,its almost older than me

Heres a pic of my windswept Texana,which came from Mulu this May.I'm beginning to regret buying now,but it looked stunning when I bought it.

and a pic of my Washy thats about 6/7ft away,

Now this gets just as much wind as the Sabal,but doesn't get a leaf out of place.So I think I'll definately have to move it as I dread to think what shape it'll be in come next spring,being as its not going to be able to grow out the damage anytime soon
Steve

Post by **Dave Brown** » Fri Aug 24, 2007 8:50 pm

This is my Sabal minor back in 1993/4 ish. Was kept in the conservatory and when put outside was absolultely trashed by the wind. It looked a mess, but all leaves were functioning well, so the palm was happy. It is just not asthetically pleaseing.

As you say Steve, once the leaves are damaged. they take years to grow out again.

Sorry about the quality of the pic.

mixiepalms · Post by **mixiepalms** » Fri Aug 31, 2007 6:13 am

Mine has had two leaves this year, mine is texicana. But last years grwoth is almost yellow, straw like.

Not impressed re hardiness. I got it for £30. 6 foot high when I got it. Well the fronds were, now like a mini palm lol.

Think you need a shlter like Dave to ge the most from them. ALso a hint lol, start when you are young if growing one and want to see it look good.

SteveW · Post by **SteveW** » Fri Aug 31, 2007 11:11 am

Most of the old growth on mines going a nasty shade of orangey brown,definately not a good sign.The new leaf its been trying to push out since May has probably only moved a couple of inches,or it maybe that the old fronds have relaxed around the base abit,in which case its not grown at all.
I was thinking of building some sort of covered pergola type thing over the deck this year,but I haven't got round to doing it yet.Main reason being that I'm having trouble sourcing old telegraph poles locally,I've found a few places on the net,but they charge more for delivery than the value of the poles.
So if anyone knows where I can get some at a resonable rate? let me know.
Steve

Post by **Dave Brown** » Fri Aug 31, 2007 11:50 am

Steve, I think Turtile touched on the fact that they need BIG HEAT in summer to grow. Tough as nails in winter, but do not grow at all below the high 20s low 30s.

My S minor gets 30C from April to October when sunny and over 40C May to September. So it may get 60 to 80 days growth. Outside in the free air this year it would have had about 10 days growth.

Short term try covering it with a sheet of plastic to push temps up while the sun still has some strength.

My pergola was £130 ready cut and delivered from the local Builder Center. I've only put reed shading on top though.

edit: was about 10 feet tall, by 8' x 8'

SteveW · Post by **SteveW** » Fri Aug 31, 2007 12:25 pm

I think I'll move it to the greenhouse,hopefully it'll fit in,although I may have to move the Toms a bit.
Steve