Sabal Palmetto Bridgeport CT is Thriving

[DrZnaturally]

This Sabal palmetto 'BRIDGEPORT' has been outside with only minor protection in zone 7 Bridgeport and has made it to the Connecticut notable tree database

https://oak.conncoll.edu/notabletrees/ViewTreeData.jsp?selected=226219

 

I believe it to be one of the most northern Sabal palmettos  to survive outside since 2009 without external heat

 

it indeed is a champion tree

 

It is in an incredible microclimate:

1. the long island sound on 3 sides

2.Near a large dark brick building built in the 1960s which radiates heat all winter

3.protected from the North wind

4. Mummy wrapped

5.planted close to the foundation,and te old building probably osses some heat to keep 1 -2 feet from the building from freezing too deeply

 

DrZnaturally

[Allen]

Microclimate masterclass

 

[DrZnaturally]

Yes Allen, everyone said it was impossible, put it just shows folks  to seek out microclimates and you may succeed with your palms even in the fridgid north, and no extra heating

 

DrZnaturally

 

 

[ryjohn]

It is Sabal palmetto’s summer heat demands more than its lack of winter hardiness that holds Sabal palmetto back from outperforming Trachycarpus further up the east coast— especially in areas with lighter soils

[DrZnaturally]

Interesting observation,

 

i've been reading about these palms [ and this one has been growing outside since 2009 protected with a mummy wrap but no external heat] an no one has ever mentioned that....

well...... being by the Dark Brick of the building  all summer really is a hot microclimate at least for part of the year; even in the winter, if it's sunny out, that brick is hot to the touch from FEB-DECEMBER

thanks for your comment,

 

DrZnaturally

[jwitt]

Thermal mass(bricks) is your friend when zone pushing.

[DrZnaturally]

The lowest temperature recorded in 

Bridgeport, CT , over the last 20 years was -6°F (-21°C), set on February 14, 2016. 

so this palm has suvived a -6F wth no external heat as its been in the grouns since 2009

[Aceraceae]

How is it now? Waiting til after this Wednesday's freeze at least to open it? 

[DrZnaturally]

Hi Aceracea,

We are supposed to open her up tomorrow WED April 8, so we shall see

yes very cold tomorrow morning, but Sabal's can survive and Bridgeport seems to be FROST FREE after that,

Ill post photos,

thanks.

 

DrZ...Naturally