Idaho’s chilly winters with subzero temperatures and snow may seem like the last place where tropical palm trees would thrive. Certain palm varieties, hardy hybrids, and proper winter protection allow growing palms in Idaho.
Idaho USDA Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zone Range: 3b-7b
Locations best for palm growth:
- Boise – USDA zones 6b-7b
- Nampa – USDA zone 7a-7b
Use this hardiness map to determine which palms you’ll be able to grow in your area of the state. Only a small portion of Idaho is habitable for the most cold hardy palms.
Idaho Cold Hardy Palms
While coconut palms and queen palms will quickly die in Idaho winters, there are certain palm trees better equipped to handle colder hardy climates:
Chinese Windmill Palms: The most cold tolerant palm tree, windmill palms can survive brief temperatures as low as 5 degrees F when mature. Protect small plants from hard freezes.
Pindo Palms: Sometimes called jelly palms for their edible fruits, Pindo palms can take brief dips into the mid 10s F with proper wintering and care. Trunks may be damaged below 15 degrees F.
Needle Palms: This is the most cold hardy palm in existence. A clump-forming type of palm with feathery leaves, needle palms grow slowly but acclimate well over time to cold if insulated properly during deep winter.
Saw Palmetto Palm: This palmetto can withstand temperatures down to 0 degrees F.
Though these palm varieties may survive some Idaho winters, know that it’s likely to die with particularly deep freezes.
Winter Protection
Siting palm trees in strategic sheltered locations enhances winter survival in Idaho:
- South-facing nooks near building foundations or concrete walls provide radiating warmth with protection from frigid winds.
- Near natural features like boulders and rocky terrain that hold solar daytime heat.
- Beside man-made heat traps like brick patios and asphalt driveways. Hot tub enclosures are ideal microclimates.
Supplement cold protection by insulating palms just before deep winter sets in:
Consider using frost cloth to protect your palms.
- Wrap trunks in burlap and fill the sleeves with loose leaves or straw. Make sure wrapping reaches where fronds emerge to protect the crown.
- Stake fronds together and wrap entire plants with permeable frost cloth. Leave open at top to ventilate.
Growing palms indoors
If you want to grow more exotic palm trees or live in the colder part of the state, you may consider growing your palm in a pot.
You can grow your palm in a large pot that grows outdoors or on your patio during the summer and grows indoors during cold harsh winters.
Conclusion
While pushing hardiness limitations, palms can be grown in Idaho’s colder zones with thoughtful care and preparation. Be ready to amend any cold damage promptly in spring.