It's not a unique anecdote, but not at all common. Have you done any zone pushing/cheating before? I don't recall you in those kinds of discussions, but relying on my memory isn't recommended. There are usually one or more mitigating factors, the most important (get ready to gasp) and common seems to be drainage, gauging from an amalgam of anecdotes and experiments over the years. A soggy spot is not where survival 'miracles' happen. When it's the difference between z7 and 8, that magical gardening line, it's usually (IMO) a matter of the ground not freezing. Doubtful that happened where you are, surely the ground froze in that extended cold period - but how deeply? I'd have to think the roots remained in unfrozen ground to stay alive. I'd like to hear more about the spot where this happened, in that regard, and what else you think might have contributed. Heavy leaf cover? Nearby brick hardscape or wall? Overhang blocking most of the moisture? Some kind of pipe under the ground keeping that spot warmer? Heavy cover of mature trees? There are other factors, but they're not coming to mind at the moment.

Tropic, your yard rocks! Invasive Dracaena, go figure! Inspirational though, thanks. I've smelled Sans blooms twice, Awesome! So the comparison makes me even more excited to smell those flowers. I've never been overwhelmed by the fragrance of any plant, except Privet, since moving to the south. Oh, and those darn narcissus that seem to smell good outside but stink up the house overwhelmingly if cut & put in a vase. Why don't people in climates like yours sell these kinds of seeds (any 'house plant' possible to grow from seeds) to those of us who don't have access to them? I would have a blast sprouting Drac seeds, and would definitely pay for some. I've gotten packs of cactus seeds & scattered them in "sun pots" before but have never had any sprouts. Those are the only house plant seeds I've seen over the years. If you'd care to enlighten/entertain us with some pics at any time, I'm sure everyone would enjoy them very much. Sure, we could google some, but we wouldn't be able to babble compliments & questions to the photographer, or be sure what we were seeing. My trip got cancelled, but *we* won't miss any blooms, if they are going to open in the next few days.

What are psychoactive plant seeds? Im just after some Cordyline seeds.

Are you sure this is a plantlet? It's more likely to be a sucker from the base, without roots. I would dig around a bit to be sure before attempting to detach it. Cordylines are not that easy to propagate from cuttings, but they are easy to grow from seed. I bought a packet about five years ago (v. cheap) and raised forty+ plants. I gave half away to friends, the rest I have made a mass planting with. I think they will make a very interesting feature in years to come. Plants are now about three feet high and broad, with short trunks showing already. They have all come through this last winter unprotected, even here at 1000' above sea level.