Can A Date Palm Tree Be Planted In Colorado?

Question

In Summer of 2019 I planted a Japanese banana plant in the ground and with proper mulching it survived the Colorado winter and thrived in summer 2020 growing to 6 ft. tall. I like to experiment with different plants and wondered if with special care a date palm tree would survive and thrive in Colorado?

Answer 1

The Japanese banana tree is hardy to zone 5 so it should do fine in your zone 5. But, the date palm can't survive below 20 degrees F. Your location can get down to -15 degrees. If you live in a sheltered area that doesn't get a lot of wind and extreme cold, you might be able to grow a palm if you wrap it each winter. There are some cold hardy palms that will survive in zone 6 with protection. I have included a link below.

You could grow a pygmy date palm in a container and move it indoors for winter.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/pygmy-palm/grow-pygmy-palm-trees.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-6/growing-palm-trees-in-zone-6.htm