In a 'normal' winter, Windmills (Trachycarpus fortunei) will survive a winter in NJ/Zone 7, but the last two winters were palm killers. Not only was there abnormal cold, it was also prolonged cold (limited thaws) and WET, WET, really WET. But, a protected one would survive it. Now, bigger palms are cold hardier (but obviously harder to protect). Also, they would increase in hardiness once they get through a few winters. Obviously, someplace like the south side of brick house is another plus (especially if moisture to it is limited). Without any protection, the only other palms that will survive are Needles (Raphidophyllum hysterix) and Sabal minors. I am personally slow to warm to Needles. Not fond of the needles they are armed with, and I also think they are too slow growing. I like Sabals better in general. I always thought minors were sooooo slow as well, but in the ground they do speed up some. Highly recommend Sabal minor 'Louisiana' (it is cold hardy and relatively fast...FOR A SABAL).

(Alas, my favorite Sabal, S. bermudana, is not hardy here, but it is fast and quite cold hardy itself..., just not for NJ.) Good luck!

I wonder if the Trachy on Solomon's Island, MD survived this winter. I believe all of the ones in the DC area died due to the back to back cold winters, so it would be the northernmost on the east coast that is unprotected. I suppose there could be others in the Tidewater area that are not widely known, perhaps in a place like Reedville. Otherwise, the northernmost ones would be in Williamsburg, VA.

OTOH, when I was in VA Beach last summer, it seems the first cold winter was not nearly as serious down there. There were signs that even pindo palms had recovered fully or had only moderate injury...it was not nearly as bad as 1985 when even Trachys in that area were killed or severely injured. (entire state of VA below 0F, including VA Beach & Sandbridge)

I find Needles rather fast growing in my zone 7a if they can get a warm couple years to 'dig in' and get an ideal siting -- some winter sun along with protection from winds. Took this photo a week ago. The Needle is about 7 feet high. It has certainly outgrown any minors I've had.

My favorite Sabal is Sabal bermudana.

So Dave, that is your Trachy in NoVA? I guess you protect it?

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David, I did throw a tarp over it in February this last winter. Most all unprotected trachys died out after the last two winters.

Needles are much hardier and faster growing than minors, in my opinion. My needles have outgrown Sabal minor by leaps and bounds. For both, siting is critical in 7A.

Sabal Louisiana is faster growing than the typical Sabal minor and just about as cold hardy.

Hello Cassie did you ever grow any plams?

im also in Jersey and would like to grow a few in my yard.

Cassie, did you have any luck with growing Plams in NJ?

im interested in doing the same and also live in NJ

There was a 15' palm in the middle of the Brooklyn Botanical Garden when I was last at the garden several years ago. I can't remember what type it was but I remember that it looked like a cabbage palm. I remember going in the middle of winter and seeing most of the leaves badly burnt. It late winter they wrapped up the top of the palm during the worst of weather. Later on in the growing season it fully leafed back out and looked beautiful again. They most recover really fast in that rich soil. I would love to know if it's still there but I won't be visiting again until summer.