Archontophoenix Maxima in northeast Florida

[James B]

9a? What were your low temps this winter?

[Brian M]

1 hour ago, James B said:

9a? What were your low temps this winter?

25F was the coldest. We had a few days in a row around Christmas that got below freezing.

[James B]

25F in Florida seems to hit palms differently than in California.

I have not seen 25F in either of my gardens here. But there are members who have A.Maxima that have survived 25 degrees in Socal.

I’d hit their crowns with some hydrogen peroxide and maybe some liquid copper fungicide. If there is any green growth left these palms will grow out of it fast if it stays above 80 degrees during the day.

[Brian M]

Only one survivor left. They have cut down the other two trees. The one closest to the oak tree seems to have just enough cover for survival and grows fast enough to shake off the winter damage. It will eventually outgrow the oak in the next couple years and will probably bite the dust too. 

[James B]

Bummer to hear. Big dense shade trees can provide wonders from a canopy perspective. Something I never used in my previous garden but am using now in the Northwest corner of my yard where the main jungle is being created. I’m 9B/10a cusp here. And that spot is a bit closer to 10a. Last winter as rough as it was that spot didn’t see below 31. So using it for trees that will make as mature palms in you zone is a great idea it just needs to keep juvenile palms safe long enough to gain some size and hardiness. Keep zone pushing though! I managed to keep Carpoylon Macrosperma alive for the 2 years before I left my old house  by being very specific in its spot under canopy palms. Definitely not a palm that should grow here. So even if A.Maxima does not make it for you keep trying palms on the 9a/9b cusp and you may wind up having an awesome success story to share here on PT.