Cold-Hardy Palms
Palms are found throughout the state, but only some can withstand the colder temperatures of North Florida. If you live in an area that experiences freezes, you might want to consider getting a cold-hardy palm.
Keep in mind that a single palm’s ability to deal with intermittent periods of below-freezing temperatures is dependent upon many factors. This includes microclimate differences, wind speed, humidity and the length of the freeze. The age and height of the palm, as well as its relative health, all impact its ability to handle cold temperatures.
Any palm that is nutrient deficient, over-pruned or diseased will not fare as well as a healthier palm during a freeze. That is why even cold-hardy palms can experience freeze damage. Cold temperatures can destroy plant tissues and reduce water intake from the roots to the leaves. This can make the palm weaker and more susceptible to pathogens.
When pruning a cold-damaged palm, make sure not to remove any fronds that still have green on them, as these are still creating sugars via photosynthesis. Be sure to only remove completely dead leaves. You may spray fungicide after pruning to protect against infection.
Below is a list of recommended cold-hardy species that are better able to withstand freezes. Where available, they’re linked to their individual Gardening Solutions article.
Sabal palm (Sabal palmetto), also known as cabbage palm, is our state tree and native to Florida, growing throughout the state. It has curved, fan-shaped fronds and reaches 40 feet tall. It produces branched inflorescences with tiny creamy-white flowers that attract bees. In late summer, its black fruits are popular with wildlife. This palm is susceptible to lethal bronzing disease (LBD), for which there is no treatment.
Windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) is a smaller palm that is considered Florida-Friendly. It is one of the most cold-hardy palms available. This versatile palm is an attractive choice for shady or sunny areas. It has fan-shaped fronds and a trunk that looks like it’s been wrapped in a burlap bag. In Florida, it grows in USDA Hardiness Zones 8A-11. Windmill palm does not typically have any nutrient problems.
Mule palm (x Butyagrus nabonnandii) is a hybrid cross between a pindo palm (Butia odorata) and a queen palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana). Mule palm is sterile and does not produce fertile flowers or fruit. Its name is derived from the mule, a cross between a horse and a donkey. The plant has the large, graceful fronds of the queen palm and the silver-blue foliage of the pindo palm. It varies in height from 20 to 40 feet and can remain healthy down to extreme cold temperatures of 15°F.
Pindo palm (Butia odorata) can also tolerate extremely low temperatures and is hardy to 10°F (zone 8A). It can survive in South Florida but does better in cooler, less humid climates. Pindo palm has feathery, blue-grey fronds that curve gently. It can reach 15 to 25 feet tall at maturity but grows quite slowly. It can be grown in sunny or partially shady areas in the landscape. This palm is also known as “jelly palm” for its fruits that mature in summer and can be made into jelly.
European fan palm (Chamaerops humilis) is a clumping, multi-trunked palm that grows 8 to 15 feet tall and 6 to 10 feet wide. This palm is considered a Florida-Friendly plant and can grow in clusters in the landscape or even in containers. Its leaves range from light green to silver and are attached to short, curved trunks. European fan palm is hardy in zones 8 to 11 and can survive down to 10°F. It can thrive in partial sun. When choosing a spot to plant your European fan palm, keep in mind that the frond stems are lined with sharp “teeth.”
Cold-hardy palms are an excellent option for North Florida landscapes; they work as specimens that stand out and give your home a distinct Florida vibe. And you have a lot of information at your disposal — UF/IFAS has many articles on palm care.
