Florida Palms for Instant Tropical Vibes
Florida Tropicals for Instant Vacation Vibes
Nothing says “Florida” like palms swaying in the breeze and bright hibiscus blooms bursting with color. June is the perfect time to bring the tropics to your own backyard—whether you’re going for poolside paradise or front yard wow factor.
We’re starting this summer series with a look at some of our favorite palms for Northeast Florida—from large statement trees to compact options perfect for containers and courtyards.
Palms We Love (and Why You Will Too)
These palms offer a variety of forms, textures, and tolerances—many of them well-adapted to Northeast Florida’s climate. From compact varieties to towering canopy trees, each brings a distinct look and practical benefit to the landscape.
Sylvester Palm
(Phoenix sylvestris)
A majestic showstopper with silver-blue fronds and a robust, textured trunk. Popular for upscale landscapes. Slow-growing and low-maintenance.
Height: Up to 40 ft
Zone: 8B–11
Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate
Drought Tolerance: High
Salt Tolerance: Moderate to High
Queen Palm
(Syagrus romanzoffiana)
Graceful and fast-growing with soft, feathery fronds. Perfect for framing entrances or lining a driveway. Sure to provide those relaxing tropical vibes!
Height: Up to 50 ft
Zone: 9B–11
Growth Rate: Fast
Drought Tolerance: Moderate
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Dwarf Sugar Palm
(Arenga engleri)
A clumping, shade-tolerant palm with a unique texture and tropical vibe. Fragrant when mature and stays small—perfect for understory or accent planting.
Height: 6–12 ft
Zone: 9A–11
Growth Rate: Moderate
Drought Tolerance: Moderate
Salt Tolerance: Low
Pygmy Date Palm
(Phoenix roebelenii)
Compact, elegant, and ideal for containers or tight spaces. Often planted in clusters for extra impact. Great near pools or patios.
Height: 6–12 ft
Zone: 9–11
Growth Rate: Slow
Drought Tolerance: Moderate
Salt Tolerance: Low
Sabal Palm
(Sabal palmetto)
Florida’s official state tree is a tough, low-maintenance native with large fan-shaped fronds and a rugged trunk. Exceptionally salt- and cold-tolerant, it’s ideal for both coastal and inland landscapes.
Height: 40–60 ft
Zone: 8A–11
Growth Rate: Slow
Drought Tolerance: High (once established)
Salt Tolerance: High
Bismarck Palm
(Bismarckia nobilis)
A statement piece, it has massive, icy blue fronds and a thick trunk. It needs space and sunshine. It is drought-tolerant and perfect for dramatic landscape design.
Height: 30–70 ft
Zone: 9B–11
Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate
Drought Tolerance: High
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
King Alexander Palm
(Archontophoenix alexandrae)
Tropical and elegant with a slender trunk and lush crown. Grows best with some protection from cold snaps, but thrives in summer heat and humidity.
Height: 40–80 ft
Zone: 10B–11
Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast
Drought Tolerance: Moderate
Salt Tolerance: Low
European Fan Palm
(Chamaerops humilis)
One of the most cold-hardy palms! Slow-growing and tough, with striking fan-shaped leaves.
Works well in pots or as a dramatic focal point
Height: 8–15 ft
Zone: 8–11
Growth Rate: Slow
Drought Tolerance: High
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Whether you’re going for a coastal vibe, a courtyard accent, or a full tropical escape, palms are the cornerstone of that classic Florida style. With the right mix of height, texture, and climate tolerance, they can transform any space into a relaxed, resort-like retreat—right at home in Northeast Florida.
GARDENING PRO TIP
“Wait till they’re brown to cut them down.”
Palms grow from the center crown, pushing out new fronds from the top. As new growth emerges, it’s completely normal for the lower fronds to yellow, brown, and die back—this is just part of the palm’s natural cycle. Trim off these older brown fronds as they decline to keep your palm looking neat, healthy, and beautifully shaped. Avoid cutting green fronds, which still help nourish the plant.
Inside Matt’s Garden Shed
This month, Matt spotlights two essential fertilizers that help palms stay strong, green, and resilient in Florida’s challenging climate. These go-to products are key for maintaining healthy fronds, preventing deficiencies, and supporting long-term growth in your landscape.
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