Sadly for the grower, HD gives a full year warranty on the plants. Even those unsuited to the local climate.

which hd was that? I might have to make a road trip, it looks like there are quite a few 3 gallon (?) foxtails nearby?? Im always looking for small palms.

It's on Hwy 6 in Missouri City just west of sienna plantation.

It's stressed for sure. Looks good for mid December in Houston on the other hand.I lost one to rot also last year.My own fault,i knew the mix was too heavy in peat and hoped watering less often could balance that.
One of the worlds great looking plants.I want another shot at it.

WOW...to bad it will die with this guys kind of knowledge. He should be shot at sun down for giving bad information like that. Anyone knows it will parish in freezing temps. I wish I was near by, I would take it.

That Home Depot 1 year warranty really comes in handy. I was in Panama City in August, and I picked up a 5 foot 25-gallon Needle Palm for $89. Seemed like a good deal. I asked the lady at the service desk if I could return it to any HD if it died, and she said yes. So...If it doesn't make it through the winter (I find it hard to believe that it won't seeing as I'm in zone 6 anyway,and I have it protected with hay bales stacked around, a window on top) I still have the tag and receipt.

The only prob with HD is that you have to bring back the dead plant as proof

Bottle palm doesn't like cold weather. It is native to Mascarene Islands, which are in the Indian Ocean. It does well only from zone 10a - 11 tolerating cold down to 30f for a short time and only when old enough.

Here is a link that might be useful: Bottle Palm Tree