Palm enthusiast for 22 years and yes the Queen too

[Kim]

A well-grown Syagrus romanzoffiana is a thing of beauty.

Iconic photos of San Diego:

Just sayin'... 

Photos borrowed from various sources on the web, the only credit I found was for the Newport Avenue sunset: Brian McClean

[Jim in Los Altos]

3 hours ago, Kim said:

A well-grown Syagrus romanzoffiana is a thing of beauty.

Iconic photos of San Diego:

Just sayin'... 

Photos borrowed from various sources on the web, the only credit I found was for the Newport Avenue sunset: Brian McClean

But those are predominantly Washingtonia robusta. I see a couple of Syagrus way in the background in a couple of the photos, mainly in picture #3, but all those tall palms are Washingtonia. 

[Axel Amsterdam]

I have noticed queens to be quite slow in European meditteranean climates for the first couple of years, especially in nr of fronds per year. Is that the same in CA? 

[Kim]

12 hours ago, Jim in Los Altos said:

But those are predominantly Washingtonia robusta. I see a couple of Syagrus way in the background in a couple of the photos, mainly in picture #3, but all those tall palms are Washingtonia. 

Exactly my point...

Neither palm is a favorite, but this is what San Diego looks like. Queens are not predominant, at least not in my stomping grounds.

[MJSanDiego]

This Kim seems like an instigator, being this forum is about Syragus Romanzoffiana. She claims to have lived in San Diego for 36 years, yet questions the factual proven zone 11. I sent the USDA map link and screen shot and she went silent. I wish I could do videos on this platform. Syragus Romanzoffiana is the predominant palm by far. Too bad she dislikes Syragus Romanzoffiana, but it probably doesn't matter because she is either in denial or doesnt get out much or know her own city very well, perhpas living in isolation in her own city block!!! 😁

[MJSanDiego]

11 hours ago, Axel Amsterdam said:

I have noticed queens to be quite slow in European meditteranean climates for the first couple of years, especially in nr of fronds per year. Is that the same in CA? 

Great question. Yes they can be. The first year especially. But after the first year or second season they usually explode if given ample water, in my experience here in San Diego. Some patience is required first 3 years as they get established. After that they are unstoppable gorgeous feathery, pinnate elegant beauties!! 🙂

[Alberto]

I cannot understand this kind of confusion and fights about liking or disliking palms. I grow all the species I am able in my cold subtropical climate. I' m proud of my native queen palms, Butia eriospatha, Trithrinax acanthocoma and also proud of my Washys, a lot of Sabal species, Phoenix and the more rare Parajubaea species, nikaus etc. 

[MJSanDiego]

41 minutes ago, Alberto said:

I cannot understand this kind of confusion and fights about liking or disliking palms. I grow all the species I am able in my cold subtropical climate. I' m proud of my native queen palms, Butia eriospatha, Trithrinax acanthocoma and also proud of my Washys, a lot of Sabal species, Phoenix and the more rare Parajubaea species, nikaus etc. 

Thank you! Its so great to hear from someone who lives where these palms are native and loves them like all other palms. This is just more proof that there is a reason that the Queen Syragus Romanzoffiana is so predominant here in San Diego  It's stately, feathery, pinnate elegance is awe-inspiring and just oozes a tropical timeless beauty! 🙂

[Kim]

2 hours ago, MJSanDiego said:

This Kim seems like an instigator, being this forum is about Syragus Romanzoffiana. She claims to have lived in San Diego for 36 years, yet questions the factual proven zone 11. I sent the USDA map link and screen shot and she went silent. I wish I could do videos on this platform. Syragus Romanzoffiana is the predominant palm by far. Too bad she dislikes Syragus Romanzoffiana, but it probably doesn't matter because she is either in denial or doesnt get out much or know her own city very well, perhpas living in isolation in her own city block!!! 😁

I said Syagrus romanzoffiana is not my favorite palm and that a well-grown specimen is a thing of beauty. You wish to create an argument around that? In my observation it is not dominant in the coastal zones where palms are planted to show off the Southern California vibe. I gave you some real views of San Diego which demonstrate this.

If you love them, grow them. I don't see it as my place to tell people what to like, or what to grow.

Nor do I insult people on this forum, nor make up imaginary comments about anyone's history or personality.  

If you sent me anything, I did not receive it. I have a zone 12a garden outside of San Diego, and don't get involved in climate discussions. Please don't send me anything, thank you.

Have a nice day.

By the way this Forum is about "Discussing Palms Worldwide." 

[MJSanDiego]

1 hour ago, Kim said:

I said Syagrus romanzoffiana is not my favorite palm and that a well-grown specimen is a thing of beauty. You wish to create an 

 

Oops... I have to apologize Kim. I had the wrong person as I look back. That message was not meant for you whatsoever and had nothing to do with you or any of your posts. I am so sorry. And thank you for the nice pics of the Washingtonia Robustas and Syagrus Romanzoffianas

[MJSanDiego]

@Kim sooo sorry I had the wrong person. None of that was meant for you whatsoever and nothing to do with any of your posts. My apologies, please forgive me!! 😒

[MJSanDiego]

@Kim Thank you for your nice pics of the San Diego palms yesterday! Much appreciated!  😊

[MJSanDiego]

@Kim Thank you again for the wonderful pics of Washingtonia Robustas and Syragus Romanzoffiana. I feel so bad about that post earlier as it was not meant for you whatsoever. I have the wrong name.  It had nothing do with you or any of your posts.  I am trying to remove it, and hopefully you can remove or edit down your reply too. Sorry again and thank you for your contributions to this topic!

[MJSanDiego]

@AlbertoWould love to see more pics from South Brazil if you have time 🙂

[MJSanDiego]

Desert residents kindly review this PDF and reply with your thoughts. I agree with this. There are so many other species suited for the deserts so why put the tropical Syagrus Romanzoffiana Queen through this demise? All opinions welcome!

queenpalmdeclineinfo (1).pdf

[JLM]

It’s useless to argue about whether or not queens are the big staple palms of SoCal.
 

Just enjoy what you have around you. If you wanna surround your property with queens, more power to you! If you do not want any queens on your property, good for you! It doesn’t matter, we all have the ability to grow whatever variety of palms we desire. There’s no need getting caught up in arguing about one common palm. Just grow what you wanna grow and have a lot of fun doing it. Every once in a while sit back and relax and be at peace in your palm gardens.

[MJSanDiego]

15 hours ago, JLM said:

It’s useless to argue about whether or not queens are the big staple palms of SoCal.
 

Just enjoy what you have around you. If you wanna surround your property with queens, more power

@JLM a little debate or banter is fun sometimes! But dont make the mistake of referencing the wrong person in a post like I did  🤣

[MJSanDiego]

I think people might not be able to see or download the one page PDF I posted about growing Queen palms in the desert. So here is an image of the article which I believe is spot on. Desert folks you opinion is always welcome!!

[DoomsDave]

Here’s a queen in the infamous Velez garden in Westminster California; 80 to 100 feet?

 

[Phoenikakias]

8 hours ago, MJSanDiego said:

I think people might not be able to see or download the one page PDF I posted about growing Queen palms in the desert. So here is an image of the article which I believe is spot on. Desert folks you opinion is always welcome!!

Imo problems are not directly related to temperature but rather to water availability and soil consistency. It is self evident that in hot conditions and/or sandy soil this palm needs considerably more water.  We are  going through an unprecedented, continuously hot summer and my Syagrus grows in a slope with rocky soil. It def looks bettet than those specimens in the posted picture and it has not stalled instead every year it grows robuster and healthier and has just bloomed for the first time.

[MJSanDiego]

15 hours ago, Phoenikakias said:

Imo problems are not directly related to temperature but rather to water availability and soil consistency. It is self evident that in hot conditions and/or sandy soil this palm needs considerably more water.  We are  going through an unprecedented, continuously hot summer and my Syagrus grows in a slope with rocky soil. It def looks bettet than those specimens in the posted picture and it has not stalled instead every year it grows robuster and healthier and has just bloomed for the first time.

That is true, water is critical especially in sandy soi.  Thanks for sharing, your palm looks great!  That article is more focused on the SW USA Deserts, like Sonoran Desert, Mojave Desert, Coechella Valley climate where temps are always 40C+ for three to four months every year, and as high as 48C.  Your climate seems a bit less severe, assuming 40C is kind of abnormally high for your area.  The SW USA deserts are relentless daily heat

[Phoenikakias]

7 hours ago, MJSanDiego said:

That is true, water is critical especially in sandy soi.  Thanks for sharing, your palm looks great!  That article is more focused on the SW USA Deserts, like Sonoran Desert, Mojave Desert, Coechella Valley climate where temps are always 40C+ for three to four months every year, and as high as 48C.  Your climate seems a bit less severe, assuming 40C is kind of abnormally high for your area.  The SW USA deserts are relentless daily heat

Fortunately climate had not changed that much. But max around 40 C for a whole month had stopped being uncommon.

[DoomsDave]

9 hours ago, Phoenikakias said:

Fortunately climate had not changed that much. But max around 40 C for a whole month had stopped being uncommon.

I recall you guys have had more than your fair share of wild fires, just like here.

Be safe!

[Merlyn]

@Phoenikakias that's definitely dry compared to the swamp of Floriduh!  I routinely see 90-95F with 50-70% humidity here during the afternoon.  Yesterday afternoon was 94F and 73% humidity = heat index of 122F / 50C.  It's tough working outside like that, but the Queens love it! 

[MJSanDiego]

On 7/19/2024 at 10:36 PM, JLM said:

It’s useless to argue about whether or not queens are the big staple palms of SoCal.
 

Just 

@JLM are you familiar with The Villages in central FL? Zone 9b. There is a big nursery with a well known owner who admittedly stopped selling Syragus Romanzoffiana because he stated it is not suitable due to the repeated cold winter nights and as a result they all die within 5 to 10 years. He further stated that the cutoff is a place called Clermont. I looked it up and Clermont is NW of NW Orlando area, with the Villagee further NW of Clermont. So this is a nursery owner in your state and he is in zone 9b. He sells Mules now. Aren't you well north of Clermont? If so, a Mule would be appropriate for your area

[JLM]

20 hours ago, MJSanDiego said:

@JLM are you familiar with The Villages in central FL? Zone 9b. There is a big nursery with a well known owner who admittedly stopped selling Syragus Romanzoffiana because he stated it is not suitable due to the repeated cold winter nights and as a result they all die within 5 to 10 years. He further stated that the cutoff is a place called Clermont. I looked it up and Clermont is NW of NW Orlando area, with the Villagee further NW of Clermont. So this is a nursery owner in your state and he is in zone 9b. He sells Mules now. Aren't you well north of Clermont? If so, a Mule would be appropriate for your area

I don’t know why you continue to insist upon what I grow and what I don’t grow. For your information, I do have a mule, and a couple pindos. You act like I haven’t lived in this area for 7 years and haven’t studied my own growing zone and historical temperatures, and that I haven’t experienced any of my own winters as well as seeing what is growing in my area and what is not.
 

Im very well aware that Queens are not long term palms here, you do not have to tell me that. I also know that even mules can take damage here based on historical temperatures. Unless I ask for recommendations, please stop giving them. Thank you.

[ahosey01]

@Fusca is correct.  Down here in deep South Texas these things look fantastic almost by default, particularly south of San Benito.  Absolutely worth growing down here.  We also have this heavy black organic clay that smells like decaying vegetation when you dig into it, and holds onto a lot of moisture.  Humidity is astronomical too.

Back where I used to live in Arizona... or the ones I've seen in California are mostly pretty rough.

[MJSanDiego]

1 hour ago, JLM said:

I don’t know why you continue to insist upon what I grow and what I don’t grow. For your information, I do have a mule, and a couple pindos. You act like I haven’t lived in this area for 7 years and haven’t studied my own growing zone and historical temperatures, and that I haven’t experienced any of my own winters as well as seeing what is growing in my area and what is not.
 

Im very well aware that Queens are not long term palms here, you do not have to tell me that. I also know that even mules can take damage here based on historical temperatures. Unless I ask for recommendations, please stop giving them. Thank you.

Thanks, and I am happy to hear you have a Mule!!  I was just trying to get my point across that I feel sorry for some of the Queens out there. Home Depot often sells them in zone 8b in Cailfornia, so people buy them and then get upset with the palm and how junkie it looks, until it dies.  If you look at my original post on this topic, I started this topic to get the dialog rolling about this overly cultivated, but misunderstood tropical, elegant, graceful beauty. And we have found out that many people adore it, while others are sick of it, and with the maintenance woes too! Anyway, I won't bug you anymore on this Syagrus.  All others please keep the dialog going on this topic, and all opinions are welcome!! Syagrus romanzoffiana forever (I am a bit obsessed with it, forgive me)!    

[MJSanDiego]

7 minutes ago, ahosey01 said:

@Fusca is correct.  Down here in deep South Texas these things look fantastic almost by default, particularly south of San Benito.  Absolutely worth growing down here.  We also have this heavy black organic clay that smells like decaying vegetation when you dig into it, and holds onto a lot of moisture.  Humidity is astronomical too.

Back where I used to live in Arizona... or the ones I've seen in California are mostly pretty rough.

Correct, these palms are not really suited for the deserts, like Phoenix, and that includes the California deserts and inland areas too.  They struggle and often look rough.  Too dry, too hot, too windy. Too cold winter nights. They are often marketed incorrectly. But if you go to the mild coastal areas, San Diego for example, they do very well because daily humidity is 50%, not too dry, with mild temps year-round. Zone 10b and 11a in the coastal plains here. I do notice they grow well in clay.  My clay is not black though, it's brown, probably not as nutrient rich as yours, so I have to fertilize and add mulch more than you would. I am happy that you love your Queens and they look nice and do well in deep South Texas!!!!

[MJSanDiego]

Record breaking heat has really taken a toll on many Syagrus Romanzoffiana in the USA's desert SW over the last several years.  Sustained heat, record breaking heat and dry conditions are always a challenge for the South American natives. You do see far fewer Queens in the Coachella Valley compared to 20 years ago, for example. It could be that Queens mostly disappear from the deserts due to the climate. There are many other species more suitable for the deserts

[MJSanDiego]

Out and about I can take pics all day long block after block after block.  One more beautiful than the next. Ubiquitous here. I wish I could do a long HD video while driving around. Like anything, if cared for and grown in the appropriate climate these are one of the most beautiful palms on this earth!! Simply breathtaking! Am I obsessed? Maybe!! 😁