How much does south facing exposure make a difference when zone pushing

[jwf1983]

We've just moved from upper NW Washington, DC to the Capitol Hill area.  While we previously had an ENE facing patio, we now have a small fenced in yard with great south facing exposure.  We've kept our 3 Sagos and 1 Windmill Palm potted outside year round from the start, with the oldest being one of the Sagos we picked up 6 years ago.  The major issue we previously had, was that during winter, the patio at our old place got very little, if any, sunlight during the heart of winter.  This kept the patio space consistently colder than areas getting sunlight elsewhere. It's late December, and in our new home, and along the south facing fence in our backyard, there is a good 5-6 hours of direct sunlight.  It is far warmer for several hours a day than the shaded areas of our property.

How much of a difference do you think a south facing yard makes for those zone pushers out there, relative to other possible locations that may be cooler and with less sunlight?

Edited December 22, 2021 by jwf1983

[teddytn]

It honestly makes all the difference. I always say a south facing microclimate is a 1/2 zone warmer than out in the open in the same yard. I would almost say planted against the foundation on the south side of a building might….equate to a full zone difference is some cases

[Chester B]

I think it helps, especially if it gets the sun early in the morning to warm things up more quickly.

[GregVirginia7]

My south facing bank in my back yard is my oasis, so to speak. It’s where all my palms are planted...I have no temperature data to back it up but I observed it was always the first place for the snow to melt. We’re here in NOVA, just 8-miles or so from DC so our climates are roughly the same. That southern exposure is essential to longterm cold hardy success...most my palms went in-ground 7-8 years ago and all are doing well. 
The bank runs the length of the house but my palms only occupy about 2/3rds of it because that’s what’s manageable. The Trachy is very happy and the Brazoria and Needles are right there with it.
 

 

The Mediterranean Fan palm has done really well, too...giving all less protection starting this year...practically none unless teens and single digits make me...

 

The notion of microclimate is real and your south face situation might just surprise you. If you’re staying put, you may want to get some in the ground this spring...very rewarding hobby.

[D Palm]

South facing does make a difference, also the proximity to south facing structures that radiate heat from direct solar exposure play a role. Many times my N. Facing part of the yard will be loaded with frost while the south facing has 0 frost accumulation varying in range from the house of course.

[jwf1983]

GregVirginia7 you are my new personal local hero.   Your yard is beautiful, and your palms look fantastic.  This gives me a lot more hope that things will workout just fine.  I probably tend to worry a bit more than I should.  I can't wait to get these in the ground in the in springtime.  

[JeskiM]

I would say that anything planted up very close to a south facing wall would benefit substantially, particularly for a short cold snap.  Short being: going below freezing for the night and warming above freezing during the day.  However, in a long duration cold snap: below freezing for 60+ hours it may not matter quite so much.

There would be other variable of course such as how moist the ground is, exposure to winds, light vs no light (sunny vs cloudy), any overstory plants, etc.  Microclimates can make the difference between life/death for a plant. 

If you have several thermometers place them around various parts of the property (in a well ventilated enclosure, you don't want the sun hitting the thermometer directly) and see how it differs over some nights.  

-- Matt

 

[WSimpson]

I feel that this Butia would be toast if I had it out in the middle of the yard . Instead it's on the south side of the house with sun all day in the winter . In the summer there is a deciduous tree that leafs out so there is more shade  . 

Fronds closest to the house after a bad winter  do better than fronds that extend out further , so it's getting some help that way too . 

 

Butia to the right of Shaylen .

 

Edited December 26, 2021 by Will Simpson