I'm a newbie to experimental gardening in Central NJ (Zone 6B) and
have recently purchased a small needle palm (rhapidophyllum hystrix)
for my first experiment. I have seen it well documented that it is at
least hardy enough to try in 6B areas with hot summers, but would like
to confirm or deny a few rumors I've seen on the Web.

First, I have heard its cold hardiness compared to that of the common
boxwood and evergreen holly. This would be great if it were true, as
these plants (the boxwood and holly) are ubiquitous around here and
boxwood has survived at least 20 consecutive winters with no damage in
my own yard.

The second is the rumor that the needle palm actually will grow a leaf
under the snow. This was rumored by a guy with a hardy palm website
in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Lastly, for anyone who is scientific in these matters, I have not been
able to find it anywhere. Which method, or combination, does the
needle palm use for winter survival, supercooling or intracellular
dehydration/extracellular freezing?

Thank you and I will let you know about the success/failure (hopefully
success) of this experiment after next winter.