Hi Carol,
Is the Stuart area too far north to grow Areca Palms over an extended period? I am concerned about the effects a frost might have on these plants.

Thanks for your help. - Joe

Hello Joe,
Areca palm, once known by the scientific name Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, but now Dypsis lutescens is a favorite in south Florida landscapes. However, in my opinion you are very right to be concerned about this palm's cold hardiness. Most references list it hardy in USDA Zones 10 - 11, a palm for frost-free locations only - 34 degrees F is about the lower limit.

The border, and fuzzy border it is, between USDA Zones 9 & 10 runs right through Martin County. The last real cold snap here in south Florida was 1989 when temperature in December that year dipped well below freezing all the way to the Keys. It has obviously been many years since that event, are we safe? Or are we way past due for a cold snap? I will not hazard a guess, but I will say that many people are using Areca palm in their landscape along the Treasure Coast & have done successfully, at least since 1989.

Joe, you will have to make the call, thoughts anyone?

Good luck & happy gardening,
Carol