This large Phoenix palm was planted around 2001. Less than two years later it was totally defoliated by a freeze in the low teens. Here are photos of its recovery and subsequent freezes and recovery. As with the mythical bird, it was burned and then rose again. But for how long?
Only slightly damaged in 2004. New growth above the damaged foliage.
If these freezes keep occurring every other year, it is possible that this Phoenix will lose more leaves than it can re-grow the following season and will eventually go into decline and die. In the years since it was planted it has unfortunately not re-grown to its original size.
Completely defoliated again in 2005
Summer of 2007. Looking good but not a full crown after two mild winters
March 23, 2010
Feb 5, 2009
Before all of damage shows and before damaged leaves are taken off.
Feb. 6, 2011
May 16, 2012
February 8, 2008 Looking Good
November 2014
March 2013
Feb 2006
August 13, 2015
March 18, 2018
2021
2022
2023
2023 makes 20 years since I started photographing the Phoenix Palms at this site in North Myrtle Beach, SC.
Like the mystical Phoenix they have been burned and rose again.
Sad to say one the Phoenix Palms (not shown)to the far right has died.
October 7, 2023
Seven months after photo before this one, that was taken in March, which showed defoliation from 2022 Christmas freeze.
