I live in San Diego.

Coconut palms are rarely grown here. They are overpowering and a liability
headache unless you have a 40 acre estate.

We like Queen Palms (Arecastrum romanzoffianum) and have planted about 10 of
them over the years. Do not confuse with King Palms or Washington Palms.

They grow only 20-25 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide. Elegant, airy, tropical
appearance. No maintenance.

--

Walter
The Happy Iconoclast www.rationality.net


"Ashton" wrote in message
news:Oljde.446$tp.4@fed1read04...
I live in southern Los Angeles county and am considering planting a stand
of coconut palms. I've been told that it will be a waste of time because
of the climate. I've been informed that the coconut palm is a hardiness
zone 11 and my home is in the 11 zone. However that farthest north on
record for this palm is in Newport Beach to the south and it is a single
palm that is not thriving.



What is it that makes southern California a tough area for these palms?
What part of the palm is destroyed in a cold winter? The roots? The
trunk? The crown?



Also, does anyone have any tips that I could try in the winter that might
help keep them alive? I've read the book "Palms won't grow here and other
myths," but it doesn't discuss the coconut palm. Are there certain
varieties that are more cold hardy?



Thanks for any help.



Ashton