PUSHING THE BORDERS

I was fascinated by the pictures of these back in 2008 when I discovered the forums, thought I would at some point like to have one, along came someone who gifted me a load of palm seedlings among which was one labeled princeps, the label says from cultivated seed - Hongkong, sown in 2010 its never looked anything other than standard Trachycarpus fortunei to me and is the seedling on the left of the picture. Chad pointed me in the direction of Trebrown as a supplier of true seed so I had a go, managed to germinate one which looks to be the real deal but its the seedling on the right, its so slow, I know its younger than the other but even so!

001 by charliepridham, on Flickr
Anyone got one of these going? do they ever speed up?

Bumping this as a year and a half on things haven't got a huge amount bigger! This is the seed grown Trachycarpus princeps, now showing that lovely blue tinge
trachycarpus princeps by charliepridham, on Flickr
Obviously its still in a pot, but I would very much like to get this into the ground before something happens to it, so anyone got one planted out? I have heard they rather like a hot sunny spot with good drainage and an alkaline soil, not sure I can find one in Cornwall never mind my garden! anyone trying one out? and if so whats the verdict. I know Dave B from GOTE has a big one but seeing how slow they are I assume it wasn't tiny when planted.

Sorry, I know nothing about them, If you think that is slow try Cubanola domingensis!

Had to look that up!

charlie wrote:anyone got one planted out? .... I know Dave B from GOTE has a big one but seeing how slow they are I assume it wasn't tiny when planted.

Is that the same Dave B (Brown) as HTUK? Worth asking there I reckon as must?? be someone there with one.

kGarden wrote:

charlie wrote:anyone got one planted out? .... I know Dave B from GOTE has a big one but seeing how slow they are I assume it wasn't tiny when planted.

<br abp="654"><br abp="655">Is that the same Dave B (Brown) as HTUK? Worth asking there I reckon as must?? be someone there with one.

No I think Charlie is refering to Dave Bryson. Google his name with princeps for some good photos. I sure from memory it was quite small when planted.

I've got 3 smallish plants but not planted out yet. I may plant one out this spring with extra drainage using limestone chippings.

JonK wrote: No I think Charlie is refering to Dave Bryson. Google his name with princeps for some good photos. I sure from memory it was quite small when planted.

I've got 3 smallish plants but not planted out yet. I may plant one out this spring with extra drainage using limestone chippings.

Yep he is the chap, couldn't remember how to spell his name, I know I could ask on GOTE but it would be boring for those who look at all 3 forums to see the same question repeated!

Limestone chippings sounds OK not sure I can get them (never tried looking) I know I can get Oyster shell (sold for Hens), I am thinking that should do much the same job?

My local Wickes stocks small bags of limestone chippings. You should have one in your area.

http://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-Limeston ... g/p/154449

I've used these chippings before incorporated into the planting hole on a Butia Capitata (or whatever it is these days) and not only does it help with drainage, I'm sure it helps with the blue look of the palm. From what I've read though, Butia Eriospatha prefers acid soil so limestone chippings wouldn't be a good idea but certianly worth a go on T. Princeps especially in an area with acid soil. Even though I'm on alkaline soil, I still think the limestone chippings are a good idea.

I only have one of these so my experience is limited. Mine is very slow growing, so much so that I am growing it as a bonsai at present. I have mine planted in a solid limestone rock which I cut a pocket into with a diamond chain saw. I believe they are prone to basal plate rot if they don't like the ground conditions. I'm told they grow on free draining limestone cliffs, so its a good idea to emulate those conditions. ;)

Thanks everyone, you all seem to be echoing whats out on the web about drainage and lime. I will look in Wicks for limestone chippings as they are very close to me. Think I have somewhere at the top of a retaining wall where the drainage should be good and sharpe, can but try, if its stays in a pot I am sure to kill it at some point!