Needle Palm Tree

Rhapidophyllum hystrix
Patio Palm Tooltip

This palm tree is one of the most cold-hardy palms available anywhere and will survive typical Atlanta winters. 

Cold-hardy palms provide yearlong greenery and look good even after a snowfall.

Have questions? Call us at (770) 400-9897!

  • Short bushy palm with a spreading and clumping habit 
  • Most cold-hardy palm out there, with glossy year-round greenery 
  • Green-silver fan-shaped fronds atop multiple short, stubby trunks 
Size:
Current delivery method: In-Store Pickup

OTHER SIZES AVAILABLE: CALL US (770) 400-9897

Deer Resistant Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant Drought Tolerant
Cold Hardy Cold Hardy
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

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. Water

  • For the first month, water twice a week. After it is established, water once a week unless it rains. 
  • Watering needs to be thorough to make sure the bottom roots receive water at every watering.
  • Space out watering sessions so the roots are able to dry. 
  • The amount of water needed per palm per watering session is equivalent to the volume of the planting hole that was dug for each palm. This amount may range from 2 gallons for small containerized material to 15 gallons for larger palms.
  • Plants in a container need more constant watering than those planted on the ground.
  • Overwatering or bad drainage can cause permanent damage to the roots over time.
  • Placing mulch over the roots can help with water retention. Use caution not to allow the mulch to touch the base of the palm, otherwise it can cause rot.

Seasonal watering changes 

Depending on your geographic location and the intensity of the season, you may need to adjust watering accordingly:

Winter: (60 degrees or less) no need to water, except for the first 30 days after installation.

Spring: (75 degrees or less) Once a week.

Beginning of Summer: (90 degrees or less) Twice a week.

Heat of Summer: (90 degrees and above) Three times a week.

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. To help the soil drain better, combine 70% soil with 30% coarse sand.

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.

6. Winter Care 

Protect fronds with a frost blanket if temperatures falls below 10°F. 

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