How about Trachycarpus fortunei - a proper palm, and it's fully hardy in Britain.

Yucca gloriosa has survived -12 here so that is also an option, but more slower growing and never as big. Trachycarpus also survived well.

What do you think of Trachycarpus wagnerianus...the miniature Chusan palm...to replace some lost Cordylines? I'm certainly thinking of those as I don't want anything too large?

Any comments Bamboo or anyone else?......:-)))

I'm so glad this popped up again - I suddenly remembered in the middle of the night that Trachycarpus used not to be recommended for northern gardens, but if Vincentdunn's survived, then its obviously pretty hardy, lol!
Izzy, worth a try, it's said to be hardy down to -17, but I note it does say 'copes well with winter if pot moved close to a wall' so make what you will of that, doesn't make sense to me.

thank you all so much i will look them up x