Winter Care For Windmill Palm In Zone 7a

Question

I bought 3 windmill palms in May. They are in large planters on my deck and have done well all summer. Need advice for winter care. Zone 7a on Long Island. I bought blankets to use if it snows. Should I wrap the pots to provide some insulation? I’m going to leave them outside and have someone to come check them weekly as I will be away from January-May. How often should they be watered? They’ll be in the sun most of the day. Thank-you.

Answer 1

They are hardy to zone 8, or 10 degrees F, so they would do better if they could be moved inside or to a garage for the winter. If that is not possible, moving them out of the wind into a sheltered area will help. Here are some tips for winter care:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/protect-plants-in-freeze.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/palms-trees/winterizing-a-palm-tree.htm
https://extension.msstate.edu/sites/default/files/publications/publications/p2828_0.pdf
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-6/growing-palm-trees-in-zone-6.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/windmill-palm/growing-windmill-palms.htm
https://apps.cals.arizona.edu/arboretum/taxon.aspx?id=278