Description

Hardy Dwarf Palmetto (Sabal minor) is among the world's most cold-hardy palms and spread over a large geographical area in the Southeast USA. Green foliage is waxy and fan-like; typical of any fan palm. When grown in a northern climate such as Kansas, growth is pretty slow at first and some winter damage should be expected if temperatures drop below -5 degrees F. It is advisable to mulch the crown of a newly planted Sabal minor with 6 to 8 inches of mulch for the first few years. Established plants get about 2 to 3 feet tall after 10-20 years. Sabal minor tolerate excessive moisture and rain gardens but prefer rich well-drained soil. Sabal minor needs full sun and a hot and humid (Kansas) summer to build up stored energy for the next winter. They are also notably drought tolerant if established and grown in full sun. Useful in the landscape as a tropical looking evergreen specimen plant. Unlike other Evergreens, needle palm maintains bright green foliage, not dingy olive green like many conifers. Combine with just about any other flowering plants and most garden themes. This true palm, however, is a must for any tropical theme garden. Mix with hardy banana (Musa basjoo), canna, or crinum lily! Growth is quite slow with young plants but speeds up with establishment and rich soils, regular water, and full sun. It is best to start with large plants as establishment and full winter-hardiness will occur much faster. A thick layer of mulch greatly helps with cold hardiness. South or West exposure is best. Established plants have been spotted in Oklahoma enduring temperatures as low as -13°F in 2021. One population of Sabal minor is actually native as far North as Oklahoma (Southeast corner); a resulting variety has been named Sabal minor 'McCurtain'. Plants have been recorded handling -24F in Wichita, KS. 'McCurtain' tends to grow larger and faster than the common species; which is good for replacing lost energy from winterkill. Avoid North-facing exposures.