Grows Well In Zones: | 7-10 Outdoors |
Mature Height: | 4-6 ft |
Mature Width: | 4-6 ft |
Sunlight: | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
Growth Rate: | Slow |
Shape: | Shrub |
Placement: | Outdoors |
Cold-hardiest yearlong greenery
Needle Palms are slow growing, glossy-green palms that make eye catching specimens. They are extremely low maintenance and adaptable, a fantastic choice for novice or lazy gardeners.
This Georgia native conveniently withstands short temperatures drops down to to 0°F, and is composed of fan-shaped fronds that are glossy dark green and silvery on the undersides. The palm gets its full bushy look from its fronds that are split into long divided segments, atop multiple short, stubby, fibrous wrapped trunks.
Needle Palms grow very slowly at a rate of 5 inches per year. They form a clumping habit, growing wide and tall at the same time. They slowly reach a mature height and width of around 6 ft, with large fronds that split into 20 inch long, deeply divided thin segments resembling needles.
Needle Palms hold the distinction of being the cold-hardiest palm out there, tolerating sustained temperatures down to 10° F and short dips to 0° F. They are drought tolerant, thriving in both dry and constantly moist soils.
Needle Palms are perfect for most locations, from poolside areas that are too wet for most palms, to arid xeriscapes.
Undoubtedly, Needle Palms are the hardiest, easiest palm to care for-ensuring yearlong greenery with minimal effort.
Q: How cold-hardy are Needle Palms?
A: Needle Palms are the most cold-hardy palms in the entire world. They can comfortably withstand temperatures down to 10° F, and tolerate short dips to 0° F.
Q: How fast do Needle Palms grow?
A: Needle Palms grow at a rate of 5 inches per year.
Q: Can I plant a Needle Palm indoors?
A: Yes, with direct sunlight if possible.
1. Sunlight: Needle Palms tolerate full sun to partial shade. If your location is hot and dry, especially in the summer, your palm will appreciate a location where it receives some shade during the hottest portion of the afternoon.
2. Watering: Needle Palms need to be watered 3 times a week for the first month when newly planted. After established, it is drought tolerant and only needs to be watered once a week unless it rains. Make sure you water thoroughly to make sure the bottom roots receive water at every watering. The amount of water per palm may range from 2 gallons for small containerized material to 15 gallons for larger palms.
Needle Palms tolerate wet feet, meaning they can be planted near bodies of water and have more sustained wetness in their roots than other palms.
Watering varies depending on the time of year and the outside temperature and weather. Here is a guideline for how much to water in any given season:
Winter: (60 degrees or less) no need to water, except for the first 30 days after installation.
Spring: (75 degrees or less) water palm once a week.
Beginning of Summer: (90 degrees or less) 2-3 times a week.
Heat of Summer: (90 degrees and above) 4-5 times a week.
Plants in a container need more constant watering than those planted on the ground.
3. Fertilization: Needle Palms can be fertilized in early Spring and late Summer. Use a general purpose blend specific to palms, and be sure to follow the instructions on the label.
4. Soil: Needle Palms grow naturally as understory palms in wet, woodland areas, making them able to tolerate soils that are occasionally wet for longer periods of time. However, they do best when placed in well-drained soils that are rich in organic nutrients.
5. Pruning: Needle Palms hold their green fronds longer than the vast majority of palms, meaning you might not have to prune off a dead frond other than every couple of years. However, when you do prune them make sure to wear gloves because of the long, needle-like blackthorns located at the base of the fronds.
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