Ashton,

Coconut palms are heat/humidity loving plants. While it is true that you
are in Zone 11, as based on the USDA map, which looks at low temperature
extremes, coconut palms really prefer the consistently warm, climate of
South Florida, the Caribbean and similar climates.

If you plant one, it may not die right away, but rather not thrive and
gradually collapse, as the overnight low temperates in Southern
California do not rival that of South Florida and similar climates. I
remember reading that Coconut Palms begin to stress at temperatures
below 50 degrees F. While it is true that such temperatures may occur in
South Florida during the winter months, it is almost always short
lived-- a matter of hours, and temperatures quickly rebound to the 70's.
A "cool" day there is in the 60's in winter.

Other things to consider, are annual rainfall and humidity/dewpoint.

Hope this helps. Email me if you have any questions.

Jim

"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?