Renting, Selling, and Storing the Biggest Variety & Inventory of Palms + Tropicals in the Northeast + Tri-State Since 2016
PALM TREE FACTS
Learn Interesting Facts About Palm Trees
Common Name: Christmas Palm Tree
Scientific Name: Adonidia merrillii
Zone: 10B-11
Growth Rate: Moderate
Origin: Philippines
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Drought Tol.:
ModerateTypical Height: 10-20' OA
DESCRIPTION:
Palm trees are grown and usually sold as single, double or triple formations. They may be cultivated in quad and multi-formations. These classic palm trees can be used to decorate interiors and landscapes.
They will incur damage at 35°F and death at 28°F.
Native to the Philippines, and not cultivated to withstand some of South Florida’s cold snaps, this palm is always in demand, potential cold snap or not.
Adonidia palms will occasionally reach heights of 25’ and will always fit nicely with small or large spaces.
Also known as a Christmas palm tree, due to its fruit blossom, this South Florida staple has a smart and formal appearance. It will fit well into a small landscape where any combination of single, double, and triple formations will accent the tight space wonderfully.
However, it will look magnificent in an expansive design used to create levels and accents.
Horticultural statistics almost always fall in the moderate range. Growth habit is moderate. Salt, drought, light tolerances, and requirements are moderate. No human hazards or pest problems exist, usually.
A favorite palm tree to buy or rent In CT, NJ, NY, RI, and Massachusetts.
Common Name: Areca Palm Tree
Scientific Name: Dypsis lutescens
Zone: 10A-11
Growth Rate: Moderate
Origin: Madagascar
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Drought Tol.: High
Typical Height: 20' OA
DESCRIPTION:
Heard of the areca palm tree also known as the Dypsis lutescens?
The areca palm tree is almost everywhere in South Florida. Cultivation within nurseries has grown to meet the landscaping demands this palm tree commands. Each landscape has its own unique set of priorities which will dictate the use of one palm tree over another.
It depends on preference.
Arecas do great in zone 10 and up. You can also find them on the border of zones 9b and 10. In zone 9b, they prefer areas near the water. Lakes, rivers and the ocean are great at helping to regulate air temperature. If a freeze comes, your areca will be in better shape near the water.
Like most palm trees, it will bear edible fruit.
The areca palm tree hedge, or screen, is commonly used in Florida. It is full and bushy but can also be thinned out to expose the canes which look a lot like the bamboo.
In some styles, the canes may be exposed for a unique look. They produce a smooth silver and green color. The fronds are feathery with an arch. Hence the nickname feather palm.
Common Name: Bottle Palm Tree
Scientific Name: Hyophorbe lagenicaulis
Zone: 10B- 11
Growth Rate: Slow
Origin: Mascarenes
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Drought Tol.: Moderate
Typical Height: 12' OA
DESCRIPTION:
Bottle palm trees are native to Mascarenes, a set of islands off Madagascar in the Indian Ocean.
The small size of the bottle palm tree (also known as the Hyophorbe lagenicaulis) makes it a perfect accent.
The bottle palm is unique due to its swollen trunk and dwarf height. Many believe the swollen trunk is the palm tree’s way of storing water for drought.
These palm trees love well-drained soil like those at a beach.
Bottle palms require and love plenty of water and irrigation. However, they will still tolerate Florida’s winter dry period. Just supplement with irrigation when possible during these dry periods by using tap water.
The tropical look will accent any topical-looking landscape and thrives in zones 10B-11. These tropical palm trees love warm climates and do not like the cold.
They are salt tolerant but easily damaged by freezing temperatures. At 32°F or higher, you may see damage on the fronds. This is not a cold-tolerant palm tree.
Cold damage can actually provide winter protection via insulation.
When spring arrives, and the danger of cold temperatures pass, trim the frost damage.
A notable slow-growing palm tree, the bottle palm will still reach a max height of around 12’.
Common Name: Green Malayan Coconut
Scientific Name: Cocos nucifera
Zone: 10B-11
Growth Rate: Moderate
Origin: Jamaica
Salt Tolerance: High
Drought Tol.: High
Typical Height: 50'- 80' OA
DESCRIPTION:
The Green Malayan is one of the two varieties of Jamaican-certified coconut palms. The Green Malayan, aka Dwarf Malayan, has a thinner trunk and petiole than the Maypan but grows just as tall.
The word dwarf doesn't refer to the overall, full-grown size that one tree will achieve or a slower growth rate but rather to the size at which these palms will produce fruit (coconuts).
A Green Malayan palm tree will fruit at around 2’-3’ of grey wood, whereas the Maypan will not produce until it reaches approximately 6’-8’.
Coconut palm trees are low-maintenance palm trees because they are self-pruning. When a frond dies, it will fall from the tree with no additional labor.
Coconut palm trees are one of the strongest palms for their ability to withstand drought and elevated saline conditions but only when they are well established. If they are exposed to salty conditions during the establishment phase, either the foliage or the root system, the palm tree will more than likely decline and eventually die.
If planted in an area with regular, direct seawater then the foliage needs to be rinsed down daily.
A great palm tree to buy or rent for summer in New England and surrounding states.
Common Name: Foxtail Palm Tree
Scientific Name: Wodyetia bifurcata
Zone: 10B-11
Growth Rate: Fast
Origin: Northern Australia
Salt Tolerance: Low
Drought Tol.: Moderate
Typical Height: 30' OA
DESCRIPTION:
The foxtail is a Northeastern Australian native.
This palm tree grows fast, adapts and is stunningly beautiful.
Known for its rapid growth and beauty, the Wodyetia bifurcata has become increasingly popular.
One of the unique markings of the foxtail palm tree is from its leaf scars. These scars often are a copper color when the mid-day sun shines brightly on the trunk of the palm tree. It gives the palm tree a unique glow.
The foxtail palm trees genus name is from an aboriginal man whose last name was Wodyeti. He was the only person remaining from his tribe that understood the plants and palms in this area of Queensland.
Bifurcata comes from Latin origin, meaning twice divided and it refers to the leaf structure that gives this unique palm tree its full and fluffy look. The fronds are self-cleaning and pruning. The boots fall to the ground once they are shed.
The foxtail palm grows fairly fast in the sun and will tolerate some shady conditions. Even as a juvenile, the foxtail palm will take the full sun.
Reaching heights up to 30’, the foxtail palm tree has the qualities of a royal palm tree. Another benefit of the Wodyetia bifurcata, is that it will not get as large as a royal palm tree and will not dwarf a home.
Common Name: Queen Palm Tree
Scientific Name: Syagrus Romanzoffiana
Zone: 10A-11
Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast
Origin: Brazil Argentina and Uruguay
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Drought Tol.: Moderate
Typical Height: 40' OA
DESCRIPTION:
Syagrus romanzoffiana or queen palm tree is native to Southern Brazil, Northern Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.
The queen palm tree is used to enhance a landscape.
These palms are great for canopy either for shade from the sun or protection from the cold. The queen palm is beautiful when lining a street or driveway. It’s perfect in ornamental gardens mixed with other palms or trees.
The queen palm tree has lush, dark green, long and graceful foliage and a smooth trunk. White flowers will appear in the spring. The fruit of the queen palm is an edible fruit like a date, with a green covering with a fibrous husk resembling that of a coconut. The fruit is sweet, similar to a coconut and a mixture of plum and banana.
The queen palm is fast growing and can reach heights of 40’ or more. The queen palm is a cold tolerant palm. The species can tolerate temperatures down to 24 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Syagrus romanzoffiana requires little care except for pruning. It does not shed its fronds like other palms. The perfect soil for the queen palm is draining and has some organic material mixed with sand and peat. It is a heavy feeder, and often gets manganese
Syagrus romanzoffiana or queen palm tree is native to Southern Brazil, Northern Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.
The queen palm tree is used to enhance a landscape.
These palms are great for canopy either for shade from the sun or protection from the cold. The queen palm is beautiful when lining a street or driveway. It’s perfect in ornamental gardens mixed with other palms or trees.
The queen palm tree has lush, dark green, long and graceful foliage and a smooth trunk. White flowers will appear in the spring. The fruit of the queen palm is an edible fruit like a date, with a green covering with a fibrous husk resembling that of a coconut. The fruit is sweet, similar to a coconut and a mixture of plum and banana.
The queen palm is fast growing and can reach heights of 40’ or more. The queen palm is a cold tolerant palm. The species can tolerate temperatures down to 24 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Syagrus romanzoffiana requires little care except for pruning. It does not shed its fronds like other palms. The perfect soil for the queen palm is draining and has some organic material mixed with sand and peat. It is a heavy feeder, and often gets manganese
Common Name: Pygmy Date Palm Tree
Scientific Name: Phoenix Roebelenii
Zone: 10A-11
Growth Rate: Slow
Origin: Southeast Asia
Salt Tolerance: Low
Drought Tol.: Moderate
Typical Height: 10' OA
DESCRIPTION:
The phoenix roebelenii, also known as the pygmy date palm tree, is one of the smaller palms.
The pygmy date palm tree is native to Southeastern Asia.
The phoenix roebelenii can be used outdoors in many settings such as parks, gardens, and on a deck, pool or in an entryway. It’s the perfect palm tree for shopping centers and restaurants.
The pygmy date palm tree is a slow-growing palm that grows up to 10’, making it one of the most popular palms.
This palm loves tropical temperatures and can tolerate temperatures down to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. It can be grown in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, and Florida. It can also be in low temperatures without damage.
The pygmy date palm tree lacks a self-cleaning trunk. However, it needs little pruning to develop a strong structure and has sharp spikes. Protective gear needs to be worn when pruning.
This palm is pest resistant, tolerates soil variations, and is moderately drought tolerant. This palm is OK in partial shade or full sun. The roebelenii grows edible fruit, although depending on your zone, it may take years.
Phoenix roebelenii is often grown as singles, doubles, and triples but can be grown with up to 6 heads, if needed.
This unique palm is perfect to have as a seasonal rental in the Tri-State and surrounding areas.
Common Name: Chinese Windmill Palm Tree
Scientific Name: Trachycarpus Fortunei
Zone: 7B- 10B
Growth Rate: Slow
Origin: China
Salt Tolerance: Low
Drought Tol.: ModerateTypical Height: 25' OA
DESCRIPTION:
This palm is native to central China. Trachycarpus fortunei, Chinese windmill Palm, or just windmill palm is one of the best palms for cold. It can withstand temperatures reaching 5 degrees Fahrenheit.
This palm tree can reach heights up to 40’, but most stop at around 25’ with a frond spread of up to 10’. This palm is a slow grower and only grows about 1’ a year.
Trachycarpus fortunei is used around the world in parks and gardens.
The Chinese windmill palm is used in warm temperatures and subtropical climates.
The windmill palm can be grown in Canada as well as Florida.
Requires very little attention to soil density and watering habits, making it easy to care for. The windmill palm’s soil should be well drained. If the soil gets too much water the roots may get root rot, which can bring pests and disease. However, dry soil for too long can stop growth. The fronds of the windmill palm don’t droop and require pruning.
Common Name: Mexican Fan Palm Tree
Scientific Name: Washingtonia Robusta
Zone: 8B-11
Growth Rate: Fast
Origin: Mexico
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Drought Tol.: High
Typical Height: 70ft - 100ft
DESCRIPTION:
Does well in cold and is fast growing, easy to transplant Washingtonia robusta, aka the Mexican fan palm tree, is a popular palm when looking to provide big tropical landscape appeal in a short amount of time.
The Washingtonian palm tree is native to the southwestern United States and does well in the Southeast.
The Mexican fan palm tree is perfect for new construction and homeowners who want an instant, finished look.
These palms grow very fast, and in a proper environment can grow upwards of 2 to 4 feet per year! They are also very tolerant of drought, excessive sun, and heat.