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Sabal minor

dwarf palmetto

A very slow-growing palm to a height of up to 3m, with green palmate leaves. The leaves apprear to come from underground as the trunk remains underground when young. A short trunk can develop later. This adds to its hardiness. The whiteish-green flowers are fragrant

Other common names
dwarf palmetto
scrub palmetto
Synonyms
Corypha minor
Sabal minor var. louisiana
see moreCorypha pumila
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Sand
Loam
Chalk
Moisture
Well–drained, Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral, Alkaline, Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green Green
Autumn Green Brown Black
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing or North–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Arecaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Sabal are a genus of 17 recognised species of slow-growing and fairly hardy fan-palms, native to the tropical and sub-tropical Americas. The leaves have midribs, extending into the leaf blade, which sets them apart from other palms. Fruits are hanging and mature from green to red

Name status

Correct

Plant range
S Oklahoma to SE USA

How to grow

Cultivation

Only puts growth on in temeperatures over 28°C, but tolerates winter temperatures of down to -20°C. Grow in moist neutral to alkaline soil in part shade or sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Sub-tropical
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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