Though most palms might be present in heat climates, it’s a false impression that palms develop solely in tropical and subtropical areas. Most individuals don’t understand that palm timber can develop not solely in Florida, but additionally in different 40 states.
Whereas most palms can tolerate chilly solely to 40°F, there are lots of varieties of chilly hardy palms that may simply stand up to 20°F (-7°C) freeze and surprisingly even chilly temperatures under 0°F (-18°C). Among the chilly tolerant palms can develop in locations like Texas, California, Georgia, Virginia, and far additional north.
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Have in mind, that palm must be absolutely established earlier than having the ability to tolerate such chilly climate. It takes palm tree full three seasons to get absolutely established. It’s necessary to know that palm tree age additionally performs a key position in chilly hardiness as a result of there’s a large distinction between juvenile and mature plants.
As palms mature, they develop intensive root system and more durable trunks which can be a lot hardier subsequently can stand up to colder temperatures.
Table of Contents
Prime 20 In style Chilly Hardy Palm Timber
Here’s a checklist of 20 hottest chilly hardy palms that may be grown in Zones 9 – 11 with none chilly safety. With some winter safety and use of your backyard’s microclimates you possibly can even develop them in zone 8 and even 7.
All these palms are sturdy, simple to develop and are very adaptable to totally different soil circumstances. All the info about chilly hardiness of every sort of palm got here from my very own expertise, experiences from different palm lovers, and a number of analysis of Miami College.
1. Bismarck Palm Tree (Bismarckia nobilis)
The Bismarck Palm Tree, scientific title Bismarckia nobilis, is native to the island of Madagascar. Not essentially the most chilly hardy palm on this checklist, it’s sturdy and might tolerate excessive winds and warmth. The silver-green fan formed leaves add a dramatic impact to any panorama.
Bismarckia nobilis is low upkeep and simple to develop. This palm is chilly hardy and might tolerate chilly temperatures right down to 25°F (-4°C) and is ideal for USDA zones 9b-11.
2. Blue Hesper Palm Tree (Brahea armata)
The Blue Hesper Palm, also called Brahea armata, is native to Baja California and might be present in dryer and colder climates of South America. It’s a drought-tolerant palm with brownish trunk and putting silvery-blue foliage.
This palm is new to cultivation within the US so it’s costly and might be onerous to search out. In contrast to many different palms that do choose chilly dry winters, this species can truly tolerate chilly moist winters.
This gradual rising palm adapts to wide selection of soils and might tolerate chilly right down to 25°F (-4°C) however it has additionally been reported to outlive 15°F (-9°C). Something under 15°F (-9°C) will trigger foliage injury. Nice of areas USDA zones 9b-11.
3. Cabbage Palm Tree (Sabal palmetto)
The Cabbage Palm, scientific title Sabal palmetto, is native to excessive southern coastal North Carolina southwand by means of Florida, the Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico coast.
This palm may be very sturdy and can tolerate all kinds of soil and climate. It’s absolutely tailored all through Zones 8 and 9, and might even be present in some areas of Zone 7.
This gradual rising palm can tolerate drought in addition to chilly right down to 10-15°F (-12 to -9°C) when mature sufficient. Whereas any temperature under 10°F (-12°C) will trigger go away injury the trunk of the established palm can truly survive 0°F (-18°C). The USDA Zones 8a-11 is ideal for this palm.
4. Canary Date Palm Tree (Phoenix canariensis)
The Canary Date Palm, scientific title Phoenix canariensis, is native to Canary Islands and North Africa. It’s simply acknowledged due to its giant crown of leaves and trunk traits with crisscross sample.
This gradual rising palm is extremely adaptable to wide selection of soil circumstances and might stand up to chilly down to fifteen°F (-9°C). With some extra winter safety you possibly can develop it in Zone 8a. Nice for USDA Zones 8b – 11.
5. California Fan Palm Tree (Washingtonia filifera)
The California Fan Palm, also called Washingtonia filifera, is native to North America. It is extremely broadly grown as a decorative panorama tree in Arizona, Mexico and California. It will probably tolerate appreciable chilly in dry local weather, however isn’t nearly as good tolerating chilly beneath moist circumstances.
This palm tree can tolerate drought in addition to chilly right down to 15-20°F (-9 to -7°C) when mature sufficient. It will get rather more chilly tolerant because it turns into extra established. Outdated specimens might be discovered rising in Zone 7a Oklahoma Metropolis and Zone 6b Tulsa with some minimal winter safety. So, you possibly can positively develop it in USDA Zones 8a-11.
6. Chinese language Fan Palm Tree (Livistona chinensis)
The Chinese language Fan Palm, additionally referred to as Livistona chinensis, is native to China and southern Japan. This reasonable rising palm is a chilly hardy palm that may tolerate drought in addition to chilly right down to 20-25°F (-7 to -4°C) when mature sufficient. Any temperatures under 20°F (-7°C) will trigger injury to the leaves and something under 15°F (-9°C) will trigger full defoliation.
Livistona chinensis is broadly grown in Arizona, Texas and California. It’s excellent for panorama in USDA zones 9a-11. If you wish to develop it in areas of zone 8b, you’ll need to supply some shelter.
Nonetheless, in case you don’t thoughts the lack of the foliage, you possibly can truly develop this shrub in zone 6 and seven as a die-back perennial. Each winter will probably be killed to the bottom solely to regrow when the nice and cozy climate comes again. How cool is that?
7. Dwarf Palmetto (Sabal minor)
Dwarf Palmetto, also called Sabal minor, is among the small species of palm that’s native to northeastern Mexico and southeastern and south-central US.
It is extremely chilly tolerant palm that may stand up to temperatures close to 0°F (−18°C), and can also be recognized to outlive brief durations of −5°F (−21°C) temperatures. It’s excellent for panorama in USDA zones 7b-10a.
8. European Fan Palm Tree (Chamaerops humilis)
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The European Fan Palm is also called Mediterranean Palm. This gradual rising palm is native to northern Africa and the Mediterranean area of Europe. This palm may be very engaging, bushy, evergreen that’s extraordinarily powerful.
The European Fan Palm can tolerate chilly right down to 5-10°F (-15 to -12°C) with defoliation occurring at about 15°F (-9°C). It is usually recognized to outlive 3°F (-16°C) with out everlasting injury however I wouldn’t plant it wherever with temperatures under 5°F (-15°C). It’s excellent for panorama in USDA zones 7b-11.
9. Woman Palm Tree (Rhapis excelsa)
The Woman Palm Tree, scientific title Rhapis excelsa, may be very well-liked indoor and outside palm due to its simple upkeep and chilly hardiness.
This native to Southeast space of China may be very gradual rising shrubby evergreen that may tolerate low temperatures down to fifteen°F (-9°C). Nice for panorama in USDA zones 8b-11.
10. Mexican Fan Palm Tree (Washingtonia robusta)
The Mexican Fan Palm, scientific title Washingtonia robusta, is native to abandon areas of Mexico. Identical to California Fan Palm, it tolerates chilly in dry local weather significantly better than chilly in moist local weather, however is nowhere as sturdy as California Fan Palm.
The Mexican Fan Palm is chilly hardy palm that may tolerate chilly right down to 15-20°F (-9 to -7°C) when mature sufficient, though it’s recognized to outlive 0°F (-18C) if mummy wrapped and closely mulched.
This reasonable rising palm is ideal for panorama in USDA zones 8b-11. If you’re attempting to develop Mexican Fan Palm outdoors its regular zone 8b, make certain it has been planted in full solar and has nice drainage.
11. Mazari Palm Tree (Nannorrhops ritchiana)
The Mazari Palm Tree, scientific title Nannorrhops ritchiana, is native to to Afghanistan and Pakistan. It’s a uncommon palm that recently has been gaining reputation as a result of its putting look and sturdiness. Whereas it’s onerous to search out, Mazari Palm is sort of as chilly hardy as Needle Palm.
It simply adapts to totally different soils, can tolerate drought and chilly right down to 10°F (-12°C). Within the chilly deserts of the Center East, Mazari Palm is understood to outlive temperatures under 0°F (-18°C).
Nonetheless, it appears to be tolerating chilly significantly better in dry circumstances than in moist. This extraordinarily gradual rising palm is nice for landscapes in USDA Zones 8a – 11.
12. Needle Palm Tree (Rhapidophyllum hystrix)
The Needle Palm, scientific title Rhapidophyllum hystrix, is native to the coastal plain of the southeastern United States. It’s the MOST cold-hardy palm on this planet in climates with heat to sizzling summers. You’ll be able to simply discover footage of Needle Palm coated with snow.
Properly established Needle palm can simply tolerate chilly right down to -5°F (-21°C) with none safety. It would survive -10F when mature sufficient however will lose all of its foliage.
The bottom temperature it’s recognized to outlive is definitely -24°F (-31°C) in Knoxville, Tennessee in 1985. Imagine it or not, this palm can survive chilly winter in northern Ohio, Michigan, New England and different locations with comparable local weather.
A longtime Needle Palm, the one which has been within the floor for 3 years, ought to be capable of tolerate circumstances of zone 6a with none injury and survive in zone 5b with some leaf burn. This gradual rising palm is ideal for panorama in USDA zones 5b-11.
13. Paurotis Palm Tree (Acoelorrhaphe wrightii)
The Paurotis Palm Tree, scientific title Acoelorrhaphe wrightii, is native to southern Florida. This gradual rising palm may be very sturdy and adapts to several types of soil.
It will probably tolerate low temperatures right down to 25°F (-4°C) however can also be recognized to resist 20°F (-7°C). Nice for USDA zones 9b-11.
14. Pindo Palm Tree (Butia capitata)
The Pindo Palm, also called Jelly Palm, is native to Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. It’s the most cold-hardy palm with feather-shaped leaves that’s out there on right this moment’s market.
This palm is simple to develop, however it requires some upkeep to maintain it good look. It’s hardy palm that may tolerate right down to 5-10°F (-15 to -12°C), with a leaf injury at about 15°F (-9°C). It will probably survive 0°F (-18°C) for a brief time frame, however all the foliage might be misplaced.
This very gradual rising palm is ideal for panorama in USDA zones 7b-11. Any space outdoors zone 7b would require winter safety.
15. Texas Sabal Palm Tree (Sabal mexicana)
The Texas Sabal Palm, scientific title Sabal mexicana or Sabal texana, is native to excessive southern Texas and northern Mexico down by means of Central America. It seems to be just like the favored Sabal palmetto, besides it has bigger foliage and extra huge trunk.
Identical to Sabal palmetto, it might stand up to freezing temperatures right down to 10°F (-12°C), however can also be recognized to outlive 1°F (-17°C) when mature sufficient. I feel temperatures under 5°F (-15°C) will destroy many of the leaf tissue.
This palm can be utilized in USDA Zones 8a -11 with none safety and in Zone 7b with winter safety.
16. Noticed Palmetto Palm Tree (Serenoa repens)
The Noticed Palmetto Palm is also called Sabal Palm. It’s native to Florida and grows throughout southeastern United States.
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The Noticed Palmetto Palm is a really chilly hardy palm that may tolerate chilly right down to 0-5°F (-18 to -15°C). This gradual rising palm is ideal for panorama in USDA zones 7a-11.
17. Sago Palm Tree (Cycas revoluta)
The Sago Palm, scientific title Cycas revoluta isn’t an actual palm however a cycad. This gradual rising palm may be very chilly hardy and might tolerate chilly down to fifteen°F (-9°C), however can also be recognized to resist 10°F with out everlasting injury. Nice for USDA Zones 8b – 11.
18. Sylvester Date Palm Tree (Phoenix sylvestris)
The Sylvester Date Palm Tree, scientific title Phoenix sylvestris, is among the hottest palm timber on this planet utilized in luxurious houses, accommodations and golf programs.
It’s gradual rising, broadly adaptable, simple to take care of and might tolerate chilly down to fifteen°F (-9°C). Nice for USDA Zones 8b – 11.
19. True Date Palm Tree (Phoenix dactylifera)
The True Date Palm Tree, scientific title Phoenix dactylifera, is among the most recognizable palm timber in world due to it’s tasty fruits ‘dates’.
This gradual rising palm is drought tolerant, adapts to wide selection of soils and might stand up to chilly down to fifteen°F (-9°C). Nice for USDA Zones 8b – 11.
20. Windmill Palm Tree (Trachycarpus fortunei)
The Windmill Palm, scientific title Trachycarpus fortuneiis, is native to northern components of India, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Nepal, and southern China. It may be discovered rising in mountainous terrain above 6650 ft in elevation.
So, it’s used to chilly temperatures under freezing and common heavy snow. Whereas Needle Palms and Dwarf Palmettos want sizzling summers to get better and acquire power earlier than subsequent winter, Windmill Palm prefers cooler summers which makes it excellent cool climates of the Pacific Northwest.
The Windmill Palm is a really chilly hardy palm that may tolerate chilly right down to 5-10°F (-15 to -12°C), however lowest temperatures that it might survive with none safety is about -10°F (-23°C).
It would get leaf injury at about 10°F (-12°C). This gradual rising palm is ideal for panorama in USDA zones 7b-11.
What Is The Most Chilly Tolerant Palm Tree
Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) is taken into account to be the MOST chilly tolerant palm tree on this planet in climates with cool summers. Being native to China, this palm isn’t as chilly tolerant if grown in areas with sizzling moist summers.
Additionally, its chilly hardiness dramatically is dependent upon the maturity of the palm. Mature well-established windmill palm can tolerate low temperatures right down to 15F with none injury. Nonetheless, younger windmill palms are extra delicate to chilly and can lose all of their foliage if the temperatures drop to 15F.
In accordance with “Palms Won’t Grow Here” e-book, a mature Trachycarpus fortunei in Bulgaria have survived publicity to -20F. In fact, it misplaced all of its foliage. Normally, the bottom temperature a mature Windmill palm can survive is -10F.
Whereas windmill wins first place in climates with cool summers, Needle palm (Rhapidophyllum hystrix) is taken into account to be the MOST chilly tolerant palm on this planet in climates with sizzling summers. A mature plant can tolerate -5F with none injury. It would survive -10F however will lose all the foliage.
One other palm selection that’s nearly as chilly tolerant as needle palm is Dwarf Palmetto palm (Sabal minor). There are some proof that Dwarf Palmetto can survive chilly right down to 5F with none injury. It is usually recognized to outlive brief durations of −5°F (−21°C) temperatures.
Dwarf Palmetto vs Windmill Palm vs Needle Palm
Here’s a comparability desk to indicate you the way these palms measure up in opposition to one another with regards to chilly tolerance.
Components Affecting Palm Chilly Tolerance
Have you ever puzzled why some gardeners in northern areas can develop palms efficiently whereas others that reside in the identical location can’t? There are a number of elements that may play a key position in palm survival.
- Maturity. As I’ve talked about above, the age of the tree is essential. Mature palms have thicker trunks, extra intensive root system and extra leaves that provide higher chilly safety to the tree.
- Microclimate. This can be a comparatively small space about few yards and even smaller, that has a barely totally different local weather from a normal local weather of a area. You’ll be able to create one in your property through the use of a buildings, fences, rocks or patios. Planting palm beneath a taller tree, behind a windbreak or a sheltered courtyard will defend it from chilly winter winds that may trigger appreciable injury.
- Acclimatization. In case your palm has been raised in a greenhouse, it’ll have to be acclimatized to your space to resist chilly climate. Acclimatization embrace not solely low temperature but additionally low moisture availability, sunshine, excessive winds, and different variables. You must present your new palm with some chilly safety until it’s absolutely acclimatized.
- Well being. The more healthy the palm the higher will probably be capable of cope with chilly. So you will need to present palm with plentiful water, vitamins and sunshine throughout rising season to maintain it in high form.
Easy Palm Tree Chilly Safety
By utilizing some easy chilly safety methods, you possibly can push palm’s hardiness zone by one and even one and a half USDA zones! With extra superior measures it’s doable to maneuver it two full zones.
You can begin palm winter safety within the late fall or early winter after it will get noticeably chilly. Some chilly climate is sweet for you palm as a result of it’ll begin the method of dormancy and can make it extra chilly hardy.
So don’t begin too early. The purpose is to guard leaves, stems, and crucial a part of the palm the bud which is a coronary heart of the palm tree. Here’s a few simple issues you are able to do:
- Heavy mulching. One of many best measures is to use 4-12 in. of mulch. It will forestall floor from deep freezing thus defending the roots and the decrease portion of the trunk.
- Heavy watering. Water the palm with lukewarm water to heat up the bottom a bit, thus serving to to extend water uptake.
- Antidesiccant spray. This spray creates a waxy layer that forestalls a water loss from the tree’s foliage. It does progressively wash off with rains, so you’ll need to replay it.
- Snow. Surprisingly a number of inches of snow gives an amazing chilly safety with the temperatures as a lot as 30F hotter beneath it than the air. In fact heavy snows may cause injury.
- Christmas lights. Placing some Christmas lights across the trunk of the tree is one other easy concept that may add 2-3F of heat.
Conclusion
As you possibly can see, there are lots of several types of palm timber that may develop in subtropical and temperate climates. By utilizing solely palms from the checklist above, you possibly can create a phenomenal tropical backyard that can flip heads of all the neighbors. And with some use of the microclimate in your property, and chilly safety the sky is the restrict.
Have in mind, palms are people, and thus even throughout the similar species or selection there are some variation in chilly tolerance.
Associated articles:
-10 Methods To Defend Palm Timber From Winter Freeze, Chilly, and Frost-Tips on how to Save Chilly Broken Palm Tree-Significance of Microclimate When Selecting Chilly Hardy Palms-Prime 5 Components Affecting Chilly Hardy Palm Tree Progress
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