In summer 2010 I bought 3 Beccariophoenix Alfrfedii from Mike Evans in st petersburg.  I planted 3 out in a growing yard with the intention of protecting them from the winters cold, under/near a young live oak canopy.  One was switched out to a full sun location after I decided it was too close to the 7' vinyl coated fence.  That one, in full sun, just about completely burned in the winter of 2010 dec 15,16 were two radiational events with medium heavy frost and 28F.  Those under/near canopy had no frost deposits nor indication of freeze damage.  As the shade trees(Royals, Kentiopsis, Oak, Archontophoenix quickly grew in the next two years I could see the effects of sun exposure on growth habit.  Today, here are my 3, mostly shade, part sun(3-4hrs) and full sun(an hour after sunrise to near dusk).  The two in shade are more delicate in appearance with just a fraction of leaves.  When the part sun one cpmpletely clears the house roof it will gain 3-4 more hours of sunlight.  The mostly shade tree is going to see improved sun as well after I have a large overhead tree taken down.  Because the yard is grown in, I dont expect freezing temps back there in the future, given the heavy developing canopy.  In this case the overall size of each is directly correlated with sunlight hours exposure.  the part shade is close to the house(6'?) and has the most moist soil, the others are in dry areas with high drainage soil.  BA is becoming more popular among palm enthusiasts as we learn of its adaptability.  Anybody out there have instances of sun or soil(?) based moderation of growth habit.

Tom, ours aren't as big as your full sun specimen, but they are growing quite well.  They did get into water stress during the dry season but have turned around nicely now.  Ours have been in the ground 3 years +/- and look great.  We've had a little frost, but nothing to injure them yet.  

B.a. Small.jp2

 

It seems like BA are best off in full sun even at the risk of the cold. Mine is in full sun and growing fast; I'll just cover it is I ever see <30f in the forecast.

Giving a high five . . .

Alfies are a helluva palm!

yes.

thanks for sharing!

Wow Tom, yours in full Sun are outgrowing mine under some canopy.  I fully agree with you that the more Sun these get, the faster growth, even when juvenile.  I have 4 in the ground in a row, under varying degrees of shade, and the ones in more Sun are performing better.  The more Sun, they root in better and become less wobbly.   It seems that you cannot give this palm enough Sun.  Yours look fantastic, thanks for posting the pics.