Small species are best treated as large shrubs and can be used as informal hedges or barrier plants. They’re also a good option for the back of the border, especially if your landscape style leans toward tropical or eclectic.
Palmetto
Palms in the Sabal genus typically do best in hot climates that see full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sun per day) and have well-drained soil. They will tolerate partial shade, but won’t grow as quickly. The trees also tend to suffer in soil that has a high clay content. If your ground is more clay than loam, plant these in raised mounds or liberally amend the holes with organic matter—such as peat, coconut coir, or compost—to improve drainage. These slow-growing palms don’t require pruning, but fronds do drop at maturity. In average soil, these palms usually don’t require fertilization, but in nutrient-poor or especially sandy soil, they can benefit from a spring application of a fertilizer formulated for use on palms. Be sure to follow instructions on the packaging. Spreading a 3- to 4-inch-deep layer of mulch over the soil at planting time helps cut back on competition from weeds and provides a barrier that protects the trunks from lawn mower or string trimmer damage. If you’re growing one of these trees at the northern end of its hardiness range, it helps to plant it in a protected spot, such as near a south-facing wall, to help give it extra winter protection. Some gardeners wrap the palms in burlap then fill it with leaves to provide extra protection during winter.
More Varieties of Palmetto
Belize thatch palm
One of the fastest-growing palms in the Sabal genus, this palm is native to Central and South America and features large fronds. In frost-free areas, it can reach 60 feet tall. Zone 10
Cabbage palm
Florida’s state tree, cabbage palm is also called swamp palm and is native to North America. It can reach as tall as 80 feet in ideal conditions, but in most home landscapes, it tops out around 20 feet tall. Zones 9-10
Dwarf palmetto palm
The hardiest species, this shrubby palm reaches 10 feet tall and has fronds to 5 feet long. Zones 7-10
Puerto Rico hat palm
This majestic species can reach 60 feet tall and has a smooth trunk that sets it apart from most other Sabal genus. Zones 9-10
