Question
Dear Mr. Ray,
    I love Saga Palms. The problem is I live in Alabama. To order them they say Zone 7-8. I want to plant a cluster of 3 in the corner of the pool yard to create the island effect. Do I really have to dig them up every winter like a friend does or is there a way to cover them for the winter months. Do the plumes need to be cut back etc. Thank you for you help.       Debbie

Answer
Hey, Debbie.

Northern Alabama is in Zone 7, and Southern Alabama is in Zone 8, so I don't see a problem. Here's a good web site for the USDA Hardiness Zones: http://www.garden.org/zipzone/index.php?img=seusa

Sago palms are easy to grow and can adapt to a wide range of temperatures, generally recognized as 15癋 to 110? They can grow in sun or bright light, even accepting light shade.

If you buy small plants and place them in the ground, I'd cover them with some old towels or blankets during the first winter when temperatures are below freezing, perhaps even doing the same in years two and three, just to be on the safe side until they are definitely well established.

Hope that helps.

Russel