Discover the Challenge of Growing Palm Trees in Colorado

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When it comes to palm trees, Colorado's climate is simply unforgiving. With a diverse landscape that includes mountains, lowlands, high plains, and deserts, the state experiences semi-arid conditions and snowy winters, particularly near the mountains.

 

Colorado's weather is nothing short of extreme. Winters bring bone-chilling cold, with average temperatures ranging from 16° to 43°F (–9° to 6°C) in January. Summers are cool and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 59° to 88°F (15° to 31°C) in July. The state has seen its fair share of weather records, with the highest temperature reaching a scorching 118 °F (48 °C) and the lowest plummeting to a staggering -60 °F (−51 °C).

 

Aside from the temperature challenges, Colorado also experiences hail, lightning, rainstorms, and occasional tornadoes. The USDA Hardiness zones in the state range from 2b to 6b, further highlighting the difficulty of cultivating palm trees.

 

While there are a few palm tree varieties that can withstand Colorado's harsh climate, such as the Needle palm which can survive temperatures as low as -15F, it's highly unlikely for even the hardiest palms to thrive here. Unless you can create a microclimate with consistently warm temperatures, growing palms in Colorado may not be realistic.

 

So, before you embark on your palm tree venture in the state, be aware of the formidable challenges you'll face. Colorado's climate may not be ideal for these tropical beauties, but there are plenty of other native flora that can flourish in this unique environment.

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Needle Palm Tree – Zones 5b-11 (- 15 to - 10F)