You’d think that Illinois is too frigid for palm trees to grow. However the southern most parts of Illinois are hospitable to a few very cold hardy varieties of palm.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a novice, our in-depth guide will walk you through every step of the process, from selecting the perfect palm tree variety for your Illinois garden to proper planting methods and essential maintenance tips.
Northern Illinois and the city of Chicago are unfortunately not hospitable to palm trees. However, the Southern parts of Illinois reside in hardiness zones 7a and 7b which allows for the outdoor growth of a select few palms.
Choosing the Right Palm Tree Varieties for Illinois
When it comes to growing palm trees in Illinois, selecting the right variety is crucial for their survival and growth. The climate in Illinois can be quite challenging for palm trees, with cold temperatures and harsh winters. However, some palm tree varieties have proven to be more resilient and adaptable to these conditions.
Cold-Tolerant Palm Tree Varieties
One of the key factors to consider when choosing a palm tree for Illinois is its tolerance to cold temperatures. Here are some of the best palm tree varieties that can thrive in the Illinois climate:
- Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei): This variety is known for its ability to withstand cold temperatures, making it an excellent choice for Illinois. The Windmill Palm can survive temperatures as low as 0°F and is also resistant to diseases.
- Needle Palm (Rhapidophyllum hystrix): The Needle Palm is another cold-hardy variety that can withstand temperatures as low as -5°F. It has fan-shaped leaves and a slow growth rate.
Palm Tree Variety Comparison
| Palm Tree Varieties | Cold Tolerance | Growth Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Windmill Palm | -0°F | Full sunlight, well-draining soil, moderate water needs |
| Needle Palm | -5°F | Full sunlight, well-draining soil, drought-tolerant |
Planting Considerations for Palm Trees in Illinois
1. Soil Preparation:
Prior to planting, it is essential to prepare the soil to provide optimal conditions for the palm tree’s roots to thrive. Here are the key steps:
- Assess the soil’s drainage: Palm trees prefer well-drained soil. If your soil has poor drainage, consider amending it with organic matter to improve its ability to drain excess water.
- Test the soil’s pH level: Palm trees generally prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. Adjust the soil pH if necessary using the appropriate amendments.
Our soil recommendation for palms:
2. Winter Protection
Winter protection is a must to ensure your palm survives the frigid winters of Illinois. There are few ways you can winterize your palm. The first thing you should do is to invest in frost cloth or burlap. Wrap your palm in this material to protect it from deep freezes. You should also consider mulching the area around your palm and planting your palm next to a natural heat source and wind break (such as an outside wall of your house).
Protect your palms with hardy frost cloth:
3. Proper Fertilization
Ensure your palm achieves optimal growth during the warm months of the year by fertilizing your tree. Fertilize your palm once during the spring and once during the summer for best results.
Our recommended palm fertilizer:
Consider growing in a pot
Your best course of action for growing a tropical style palm tree in Illinois is growing a slow growing palm in a pot. During the summer months allow your palm to grow outdoors. When the cold temperatures come in, bring your palm inside.
The best types of palms for indoor growing will be slow growing and have a short maximum height.
FAQ
Can palm trees be grown in Illinois?
Yes, palm trees can be grown in Southern Illinois only. However, it is important to choose palm tree varieties that are able to tolerate cold climates.
What are the best palm tree varieties for Illinois?
Some of the best palm tree varieties for Illinois include the Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) and Needle Palm (Rhapidophyllum hystrix).
How should I care for palm trees in colder climates like Illinois?
In colder climates like Illinois, it is important to protect palm trees during the winter months. Wrap the palm tree with burlap or other protective material to insulate it from the cold. Mulching around the base of the tree can also help insulate the roots.