Livistona chinensis Leaf Hardiness

[ahosey01]

This year, I bought a 5 gal Livistona which was identified to me by the nursery I bought it from as Livistona chinensis.  However, the other night in my garden, we dropped to 27-28F (depending on the spot).  Fairly heavy frost formed, but nothing extreme for this area, which is a warm 9A.  All but the spear and one leaf were completely burned.  I have heard that these aren't super leaf hardy - but are super bud hardy.  However, I wouldn't have thought that 27F for one night would toast the whole crown.  Was thinking I'd get a solid 20-25F hardiness out of the crown.

Is this consistent with anyone else's experience?  If so, does anyone want a free Livistona chinensis?  Not worth it in this area if it's going to look like s**t every year.

[Paradise Found]

That does seem a little high my experience has been around 25F damage occurs.  Mine was only a 5 gallon. 

Edited January 4, 2022 by Paradise Found

[oasis371]

I agree with the OP, I have heard about super hardiness, but I have seen damage with this species in the upper 20's too. I don't get it.  I keep mine above 30 F to be sure. Was in my garage today, the winter palm garden for a lot of the palms, looking good.  If it goes under 30 f, they are in the house!

Edited January 4, 2022 by oasis371

[DAVEinMB]

@ahosey01 mine saw 24f with frost and didn't show much burn at all. Around 6' of clear trunk

[Xenon]

Maybe some slight barely noticeable tip burn in Texas at 23-24F. I wouldn't expect the damage you are describing until about 18F. 

Edited January 4, 2022 by Xenon

[ahosey01]

Is it possible the palm is mis-IDd?

This is when it was first planted.  That small pine was since moved and replaced with a mesquite:

[Collectorpalms]

5 hours ago, ahosey01 said:

Is it possible the palm is mis-IDd?

This is when it was first planted.  That small pine was since moved and replaced with a mesquite:

That is certainly a Livistonia Chinensis. They are not very frost tolerant or sun tolerant when just planted and for a few years. I had a few survive this Feb 2021 4F. But one burned pretty bad and went downhill and died late summer. I have another even taller that just had a night of 24F, that would normally be okay for an established one with a little tip burn. ( will see if it dies now!) I certianly wouldn't plant one out in the open as a small palm. Shaded and out of the frost. I think of them as an understory palm since they are so slow and tropical looking.

Edited January 4, 2022 by Collectorpalms