Palmpedia and Copernicia macroglossa hardiness - can it really survive an 8b/9a winter?

[CodyORB]

The article in question.

"Hardiness: USDA Zone: 8b. Many experienced growers are now growing petticoat palm successfully in Zones 8b-9."

I wonder if "experienced" in their book = winter protection of some sort. I know the Copernicia alba and a handful of other species can take 9a but Macroglossa sounds like a stretch.

[PalmatierMeg]

Yeah, I see that. As much as I depend on Palmpedia I have real trouble believing that claim. I figure z10a or microclimate of 9b. Someone has to prove that fact with undoctored photos.

[CodyORB]

  On 7/19/2020 at 9:14 PM, PalmatierMeg said:

Yeah, I see that. As much as I depend on Palmpedia I have real trouble believing that claim. I figure z10a or microclimate of 9b. Someone has to prove that fact with undoctored photos.

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If you don't mind, how has your Macroglossa stood up in winter so far (even down in SWFL)? 

[Merlyn]

The notes here (compiled by KinzyJr) have one surviving 19F defoliation in Melbourne, with no damage in the upper 20s and minor to moderate damage around 25F.  One is listed as dying at 26F.  My hybrid Macroglossa from NatureGirl didn't slow down over this last winter, though we only saw ~33F for two nights.  I'd think 9B is reasonable for Macroglossa, but 9A seems like a stretch.  8B maybe with lots of protection and heating, etc...maybe.  Given how slow the pure ones grow I would think there's not much chance of longterm survival in the ground.

[FishEyeAquaculture]

We have a C. macroglossa planted here on our property in Dade City, FL (9b/USDA) since summer of 2019.  While it is planted in full sun, it is about 15’ away from west side of house. No issues this past winter, coldest we saw was 27F. 

[aztropic]

Zone 9b.We usually see 1 - 3 nights below freezing most years.This January,I only had 1 night of 28F,but it was enough to do some damage.Copernicia macroglossa leaf tips burned on the 2 newest fronds in the center of the plant.It has had similar damage in other years...

 

aztropic

Mesa,Arizona

[aztropic]

Copernicia berteroana is even more tender.It usually burns the newest fronds,but is a faster grower and can make an entire new crown each year.Unfortunately,my smaller one was killed outright this year... I grew both of these from seed I collected in habitat on the 2006 IPS sponsored trip to the Dominican Republic.

 

aztropic

Mesa,Arizona

[sonoranfans]

I have two in pots here, and they did fine in 30F advective event a couple years back, no damage.  I expect they are a cool 9B palm(26F?), but not 9a in florida.  Florida 9a is much worse than a california 9a due to duration of cold and possible ice in florida but not CA.

[PalmatierMeg]

  On 7/19/2020 at 9:37 PM, CodyORB said:

If you don't mind, how has your Macroglossa stood up in winter so far (even down in SWFL)? 

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It does fine. We went down to 37F last winter. It survived 28.5F with major protection in Jan 2010. You gotta remember it is native to Cuba

Copernicia macroglossa, Cape Coral, FL, Jan. 2018

[Jdash]

there has been a c. macroglossa growing in melbourne, south of the airport, for the last 15+ years, i believe it's like 10-15ft tall now. Growing in the open, no canopy. if anyone has seen one further north, growing as large, definitely interested in knowing where. i'll also be on the search...

[SeanK]

Given the Cuban origin, seems z9a would require a dry climate; very short duration and no frost. Z9b would be the best to be hoped for in a humid climate.

[mnorell]

When I lived in Natchez, Mississippi (zone 9a) the one Copernicia I tried was C. alba. It was a small plant but grew fairly quickly and had no problems for several years with low 20sF But I think 20F is about the beginning of their discomfort-zone in the humid south/southeast. Mine was finally killed by the 2010 freezes, the worst of which was a three-day stretch of continual freezing temps, pretty much 18F-28F range for three days straight. That was too much for it. So no...not an 8b palm, and I agree with Sean above, best in zone 9b or warmer in the humid south/southeast, 9a in the west.

[aztropic]

  On 7/20/2020 at 12:40 AM, aztropic said:

Zone 9b.We usually see 1 - 3 nights below freezing most years.This January,I only had 1 night of 28F,but it was enough to do some damage.Copernicia macroglossa leaf tips burned on the 2 newest fronds in the center of the plant.It has had similar damage in other years...

 

aztropic

Mesa,Arizona

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As an update,both the berteroana and macroglossa are still plugging along in 9b Arizona.👍😄

 

aztropic 

Mesa, Arizona