Post Winter 22-23 Comparison, N.Fla

[Almisa]

My outlook Year Ago Today photos led me to examine a few comparisons on several cold hardies in my collection. Thought I would share.  As a reminder, Northern Fla experienced severe lows from mid 20’s to 30 for 3 sustained days over Christmas weekend. Since then, we’ve been on a roller coaster of highs and chilly weather, but nothing really below 36F here since then and then only as a single overnight. I was worried about the impact on my collection of the one big event, however, it appears that my good protection enabled a similar - not worse, and in some cases better effect than winter 21-22’s numerous single day drops below freezing (with protection) between December and February.

1. Bizmarks fared considerably better than last year, I lost very few fronds - although i can’t discern what to do about the leaves with spots.

2. Triangle/Dypsis decaryi will apparently be my perennial palm, dying back each year - good protection of the entire tree with emphasis this year on the heart.  It may be that I should forget wrapping the fronds any more.  They will grow back, with proper attention each year. Although again defoliated - recovery is ahead of last year this exact time.

3. P. Robellini - full cover protection - about the same as last year. Burnt and recovering

4. P Sylveststrie - no protection -  I am having an issue with one of them that I believe is nutritional, not weather-related - I will address that in a separate post.

Today.  This Bizzy was bare last year this time.

Today - same plant as below 

Starting point March 2022

March 20, 2023 - looking much better than las year

Mid MArch 2022 below

March 18 2022 below

Damage with protection from 2022  below - 2023 looked the same

Today

Standard expected damage, it seems , to P.robellini in N Fla

Edited March 22, 2023 by Almisa

[ruskinPalms]

I’m a little surprised you see this kind of yearly damage on these palms where you’re at, especially the Bismarckia. Pygmy dates’ wimpiness always surprises me too, these burn in winter frequently in areas like Riverview and Brandon around this area. Anyway, it is cool to see the triangle palm keeps coming back, it would probably be tougher if planted in the ground.