Much to my chagrin, early this Spring I noticed that the central spear in my prize Windmill Palm in the front yard was moldy and rotten and pulled out with the slightest of ease.
So I’ve been on pins and needles wondering if this tree – which I thought had gone through its first unprotected winter unscathed – would survive. Yesterday evening, I noticed that the half-rotten remaining spear - which would not pull out but looked like a casualty – was pushing out to the top of the plant, and the portion of the leaf emerging seems to be in good shape. Additionally, I can see the tips of two new emerging spears. So, at this point, it looks like the palm has survived.
Here are the lessons I think I can draw from this experience:
1. Although Windmills are notoriously cold hardy, this particular palm is in the front yard, receiving a full sun exposure (south facing) all day. When the cold spell finally hit south of the Mason-Dixon, the 9 degree temps we experienced likely found this poor tree in the midst of a growth spurt. - magnifying the damage to the plant.
2. I won’t be so quick to write off palms that lose their central spears.
3. I still don’t have the patience to be a real palm collector.
4. I wasn't as ready as I first thought I would be to risk losing this palm. I might partially protect it a few more years until it's fit to go at it alone.
I plan on taking some close up shots of the emerging spears tonight and will post them tomorrow.
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