I planted out three more of these. All about 1 year old, 6 - 10" tall strap leafers. All completely exposed other than some mulch around the crown as Michael mentioned above. Numerous nights at freezing, one night with many hours at 32F dropping to 31 in the morning. Leafs were completely covered in frost. Appeared to be frozen. showing some slight spotting and discoloration. These temps were taken at the top of my property and these plants are down the hill a bit, so I suspect they experienced a few degrees colder, maybe 27-29F.
The other individual that I have had in the ground for a year now was untouched.
If these survive this winter, I am going to plant a bunch more. It definitely seems to be able to take some cold.
I have never put too much weight on temperature evaluation pertaining to palms in pots.
I have never seen any data on the difference in root/soil temp between a palm in the ground and one in a pot. I always figured that all the soil in a 1-5 gal pot could easily freeze at 25 degrees, while the ground may only freeze down an inch or two.
Not much research or even discussions have been had addressing root temps. And IMO, this could be a critical missing link, especially when it comes to plants in pots.
Still not 100% sure which becce is which but this one started out with window panes.
But more importantly, it made it through this &^%$#@! winter with light frond toasting. The inflorescences are still there and two more have shown up with the warm weather. If you're after that 'coconut look' without the hassles of frozen coconuts (approx 50% mortality rate in greater St. Pete area), this may be the palm. A smaller specimen (7 ft oa height) in a protected location at Kopsick made it without missing a beat; looks as good as when planted if not better. A 30 yr old Bottle Palm 20 ft away is toast.
Jeff Searle- how does your large one at the nursery look?
First two pics are of emergent inflorescences; last two are of fronds with closeup of worst one.
Phil,
First off, your pictures of the B. madagascariensis, with the windows.
My large ones in the yard and nursery ( some are approx. 15', right up to 20' ) are came through with no damage what so ever. A couple morning lows of 30 and 31 degrees.
I have B. alfredii at the house and nursery approx. 10' now and again, no damage what so ever. Their tough palms for climates in south Florida and up the coast on both sides a good ways up.
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