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- Robusta Growth in 3 years
Posted by Austin, Little Rock on June 29, 2008, 13:49:10
In just 3 years, a small robusta can really perform in Zone 7b/8a. It started as a small 3 gallon plant from Home Depot and now has 6 feet of trunk! The landscape around the palm has changed over the years.
The fronds are cut off in December, and it's covered with a tarp until early March. No heat is added. - Re: Robusta Growth in 3 years
Posted by Alex NJ zone seven on June 29, 2008, 19:26:55, in reply to "Robusta Growth in 3 years"
Wow! That really gives me hope on mine. It isnt growing fast though which is confusing me. Hopefully it'll be full steam ahead for the rest of the summer.
Nice Job! - Re: Robusta Growth in 3 years
Posted by Jon - NJ 7b/8a this winter on June 29, 2008, 19:50:59, in reply to "Re: Robusta Growth in 3 years"
Great pics my friend! (yeah you knew a post like this would get me to come outta the woodwork fo' sho'!) 
That is one awesome palm and I bet it's the star of your whole garden... I wish you continued success!
Since you're probably gonna ask, yes Bertha is still alive and kickin' though considerably slower in growth than yours... possibly due to being a hybrid (though I have what I believe is a "pure" or close-to-pure potted filifera that is growing like crazy). Perhaps it's also because of root competition from a cherry stump that just won't die and keeps putting up suckers (I don't wanna risk using an herbicide that close to the palm!) Or maybe because when I initially planted it I planted high, with very good drainage, which may not have been necessary and actually counterproductive (hey, ya live and learn). Kinda like the mistake (and I realize now it was a mistake) that I did when I planted my CIDP on a mound... that too is still alive but boy it sure ain't happy!
Bertha is doing much better this year relative to last, though, because I saved much of the foliage and I am not being shy about watering and fertilizing! Now what I need to go is get up the gumption to tackle the lush poison ivy that's growing around her so I can re-topdress with some manure and mulch and add my Magical Miracle Marble Rocks.
- Re: Robusta Growth in 3 years
Posted by Joe K on July 1, 2008, 9:57:47, in reply to "Robusta Growth in 3 years"
Very nice growth Austin! - Re: Robusta Growth in 3 years
Posted by Austin, Little Rock on July 1, 2008, 17:42:01, in reply to "Re: Robusta Growth in 3 years"
Thanks, Alex. Give it plenty of water and fertilizer during those hot summer days, and it should repay you with fronds. - Re: Robusta Growth in 3 years
Posted by Austin, Little Rock on July 1, 2008, 17:45:05, in reply to "Re: Robusta Growth in 3 years"
Jon, I'm glad you came out of the woodwork to post! When you get a chance how about an Arkansas Sabal minor update?
I'm glad to hear Bertha is still alive and kickin'. Keep her well watered and fertilized during the hot summer days. That's when growth is always the fastest.
As for the star of the garden, it isn't the robusta. It's my butia!!
Take a look at my other pics.
http://s24.photobucket.com/albums/c2/austinl01/?mediafilter=images
- Thanks, Mr. K! =)
Posted by Austin, Little Rock on July 1, 2008, 17:45:26, in reply to "Re: Robusta Growth in 3 years"
- Re: Robusta Growth in 3 years
Posted by Jon - NJ 7b/8a this winter on July 8, 2008, 18:39:54, in reply to "Re: Robusta Growth in 3 years"
Holy moly! That Butia really is spectacular! How did you protect? (Or did you protect?)
For that matter, I'm lovin' your whole garden, nice layout and great choices... (those rostratas did not escape my notice!)
Really looks like a scene shot in Florida, not Arkansas!
- Butia capitata
Posted by Austin, Little Rock on July 8, 2008, 22:08:07, in reply to "Re: Robusta Growth in 3 years"
Thanks a lot, Jon. I haven't protected the butia the last couple winters. I covered it when we had an ice storm the first and second winter, but it's been on its own after that. It's been planted for 4 years now and is really expanding its trunk this year. Jon, look what you've been missing on the message board! Check in more often and send me an email sometime.
Austin
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