[rwcw]

Roystonia regia, the Florida Royal palm should only be planted in hardiness zones 10a-11 with an average low of 30 degrees to 35 degrees. The Villages is in hardiness zone 9a with an average low range of 20 degrees to 25 degrees. It is my opinion that the plant nurseries and landscapers should not be selling this plant for planting in the Villages. There are lots of other, more hardy palms available for this zone. The Pindo palm, Butia capitata is an example of a lovely palm that will tolerate the weather in the Villages.