King Palm and Caryota Gigas in 9a

[Gville Palms]

Today I came across this King Palm (archontophoenix cunninghamiana)  growing in a local butterfly garden (Gainesville, Fl). It is barely alive but I also know it’s been in there for many years because it is labeled and I saw it a number of years ago when it was fully defoliated from the cold (in Feb 2022 it got down into low 20s/upper teens). I thought it was dead at the time but apparently not. Also, before anyone says it is basically in a greenhouse, the place is surrounded by butterfly netting, not glass. I think the netting may keep as much heat in as tree canopy or frost cloth would. It’s also fully exposed on three out of four sides. I also put a picture of the Caryota Gigas they have in there. A few years ago it also completely defoliated but has come back nicely. What incredible palm trees they are… if you have the room to plant one that is. 

[RedRabbit]

I visited last August and thought it was a greenhouse… Regardless though, I thought it was neat Gainesville has a place that partially resembles Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg. 

[Gville Palms]

23 hours ago, RedRabbit said:

I visited last August and thought it was a greenhouse… Regardless though, I thought it was neat Gainesville has a place that partially resembles Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg. 

I thought it was a greenhouse (glass) for quite awhile but one day after seeing all the cold damage I looked closer and realized that it most definitely is not. 

[Robbertico18]

King palm in z9a…so you’re saying there’s a chance 🙃