Palms Won't Grow Here and Other Myths

Warm-Climate Plants for Cooler Areas

Palms that grow in Canada? Bananas that overwinter in Michigan? How about southern crape myrtles that flower in Birmingham, England, instead of Birmingham, Alabama? Although the voice of authority — and nursery labels — might say, "You can't grow those plants here," author Dave Francko has a different message for gardeners: "Plants can't read the information on their tags." Laced with humorous anecdotes and based on years of first-hand observations and research, this book provides real-world information to help adventurous gardeners grow plants they never before dreamed possible. Nobody who reads this book will ever look at a plant label the same way again.

Media reviews of this book:

"Francko's book is a treasure."

—George Weigel, People Places Plants, Spring 2004

"Adventurous gardeners will welcome this book ... With humorous asides and practical tips, Francko challenges cool-temperature gardeners to consider growing exotic, tropical plants that they have previously considered too tender for their climate."

—American Gardener, March/April 2003

"Helps adventurous gardeners grow plants they never dreamed possible."

—Publishers Weekly, May 17, 2003

"Adventurous gardeners will welcome this book ... Offers a logical approach based on understanding and accommodating plant needs. With humorous asides and practical tips, Francko challenges cool-temperature gardeners to consider growing exotic, tropical plkants that they have previously considered too tender for their climate."

—Yvonne England, American Gardener, March/April 2003

"A groundbreaking new book."

—Martha Stewart Living, April 2003

Customer reviews of this book:

"Awesome! Packed with useful information, inspiring photos, and stories — it's already one of my favorites!"

—Mark C. from Uncasville, Connecticut, January 12, 2007

"Excellent book, very informative."

—John S. from Potomac Falls, Virginia, September 26, 2005

"Off-beat topic, offers fresh perspectives; book is technically very well produced."

—Daniel G. from Burlington, Vermont, June 17, 2004

"Very useful information, some of which is impossible to find anywhere else."

—E. D. from Andover, Massachusetts, May 8, 2003

"I've been growing palms in Colorado for 15 years. This book is right on the mark."

—H. O. from Denver, Colorado, May 8, 2003

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An excerpt from this book:

Although most palms grow in warm climates, it is a myth that palms are exclusively tropical or subtropical species. Perhaps a hundred species (and probably more, as people experiment with newly available species and varieties) will easily take 20 degrees F (-7 degrees C) freezes, and a surprising number will survive at temperatures below 0 degrees F (-18 degrees C; noblick 1998; Walters 1998; Francko and Wilson 2001). Thus, the terms cold-hardy palm or temperate palm are not oxymorons, but rather refer to members of the palm family that grow well in or at least tolerate temperate climates with cool to cold winters ...

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