Rhapidophyllum Hystrix (Needle Palm)

admin — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 21:06:13 +0000

A young needle palm

About Rhapidophyllum Hystrix

Rhapidophyllum hystrix, the needle palm, is generally considered to be the most cold-hardy palm. It is a slow-growing palm with a shrub-like form, and usually does not form a large trunk. It is indigenous to the coastal southeastern United States, from Mississippi to South Carolina.

Hardiness

Conservatively, the needle palm is hardy to zone 6. It has been known to withstand temperatures as low as -20°F, but a more realistic hardiness limit is 0°F to -10°F. It is prone to foliage damage and browning during cold winter conditions, especially when combined with wind. Cold-hardiness will increase in the needle palm as it become larger and well-established.

Winter Protection

Mulch heavily. Gradually remove the mulch in spring. Site in a favorable wind-protected exposure, such as the south side of a wall or building. Needle palms are prone to fungal and bacterial crown rot under wet winter conditions. Spraying the foliage and crowns several times during the winter with a fungicide/bactericide spray will help prevent crown rot.

Growing Tips

Needle palms prefer full sun to light shade. In colder, marginal climates, full sun is better; in hot climates, light shade is preferred. Mulch plants and water regularly until well-established.

The Hardiest Palms

admin — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 04:01:25 +0000

A surprising number of palms can survive in cold-winter climates. The most cold-hardy palms are usually found naturally growing in high elevations, or in colder inland areas, less moderated by ocean influences. For example, palms in the genus Trachycarpus are found growing in high alititudes in the Himalayas, and native stands of Sabal Minor are found as far inland as Oklahoma. Below is a list of palms that may have the greatest chance of success in cold climates.

In general, clump-forming palms, those with a shrub-like form, are hardier than arborescent, or trunked palms.

Shrub-Like Palms

Rhapidophyllum Hystrix (Needle Palm) : Zone 6
Sabal minor (Dwarf Palmetto) : Zone 6
Serenoa Repens (Saw Palmetto) : Zone 7b

Arborescent Palms

Trachycarpus Fortunei (Chinese Windmill Palm) : Zone 7
Trachycarpus Takil (Kumaon Palm) : Zone 7
Trachycarpus Wagnerianus (Miniature Chusan Palm) : Zone 7
Sabal Palmetto (Cabbage Palm) : Zone 7b
Butia Capitata (Jelly Palm) : Zone 8

The hardiness ratings listed above are estimates, and assume minimal winter protection. For some palms, hardiness may increase as they become more well-established.

Cold Hardy Tropicals » Cold Hardy Palms