This palm has really surprised me this winter!

[junglegalfla]

I have a red Areca vestiaria that I bought as a seedling from Kopoho as a strap leaf 3 yrs ago. It's been in the ground since early last year. We've seen some cold temps here in St. Pete this year. 31 yesterday and many nights of low forties. This thing so far has gone unscathed when most other palms including the old standbys (foxtails, queens etc) are showing frond damage. It's planted on the south side next to a 6 ft fence. It has a 15' sea grape tree as canopy. I love these little surprises. These pics were just taken.

[junglegalfla]

I also have another bought at the same time but planted in a totally different spot. Its on the north side but does not have nearly the canopy and gets too much southern exposure. What a difference. I think I will take my chances and transplant this one in spring

[Jeff in St Pete]

They look great Bren!

I grew one in Tampa and it would throw a stunted leaf after every Winter and then resume normal growth by Summer.

[tikitiki]

When I saw yours in tampa is when I put 4 in my yard. They have been growing great every year.

They look great Bren!

I grew one in Tampa and it would throw a stunted leaf after every Winter and then resume normal growth by Summer.

[Eric in Orlando]

We have 3 growing here; clumping form, single trunked form, and the maroon form. So far this winter the clumping and single forms have minimal damage but the maroon form has some damage.

Here is the clumping specimen;

and the single form, last summer;

[Walter John]

I have two recent plantings of maroon and one orange clumper. Theses are quite thirsty in the warmer months and part shade is best.

Orange

[Walter John]

Maroon forms.

[osideterry]

It doesn't get any better than A. vestiaria. I love how the leaves are only partially split.

[Shon]

Bren,Eric and Wal very nice. Like the brom next to the palm Bren.

Edited March 2, 2009 by Shon