Fortunately, most of the hardy varieties of palm can withstand typical Pacific Northwest winter temperatures. For example, palms do better when the temperature dips to 5 degrees for a few hours overnight and then warms up during the day than they do when the temperature stays at 15 degrees for days at a time. Palms can survive short periods of time at very low temperatures much more easily than they can survive periods of sustained cold. Whether or not a palm survives in cold temperature depends on its hardiness, but it also depends on the specifics of the climate and how it is protected. Yucca has even been seen to overwinter in more severe climates like the upper Midwest. These plants can often survive in colder climates and, with protection, may withstand freezing temperatures. Plants such as yucca, banana, and hardy bamboo, more commonly called "hardy subtropicals," are sometimes called palms, although they are not technically in the palm family. Many pinnate-leaved palms will defoliate if they are exposed to low temperatures, but the hardiest species will survive and regrow their leaves when the weather improves. If grown in the Pacific Northwest, they may need considerable winter shelter or to be moved indoors, which can be quite difficult with a fully grown tree! Exceptions are the Chilean wine palm and the jelly palm, which can survive out of doors in freezing temperatures, especially if they are given protection like plastic sheeting. Pinnate-leaved palms, which are the classic tropical palm trees, generally do not tolerate frost or freezing temperatures well. Because most of its trunk is underground and it grows quite slowly, this palm can survive short periods of very low temperatures, even below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. For a more shrub-like component to your landscaping, consider the dwarf palmetto. Fan palms can generally survive winter in the Pacific Northwest with minimal protection, although they do benefit from shelter such as a plastic wrap when the weather is severe. They can survive sustained low overnight temperatures into the single digits Fahrenheit, and sometimes even do well with cool daytime temperatures (15-20 degrees Fahrenheit). ![]() These trees include the windmill palm and the Mediterranean fan palm. However, there are some hardy species of palm that can survive outdoors and do quite well in the Pacific Northwest. Most palm trees are tropical or subtropical and favor warmer climates than are generally found here. The main challenge facing palm trees in the Pacific Northwest is temperature.
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