Sabal palmetto
blue palmetto
A slow-growing, single-stemmed palm, forming a large, rough-trunked tree to 30m tall in its native warm temperate USA. It bears compact, spherical heads of many fan-shaped leaves to 2m long. Borderline hardy in a very sheltered spot, elsewhere it is best grown in a cool greenhouse or conservatory
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Arecaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- 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
- SE USA to Cuba
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass, grow in loam-based potting compost with added limestone chippings, in full light. During the growing season water freely and apply a high-nitrogen fertiliser monthly; water moderately at other times. Outdoors, grow in moderately fertile soil in a sunny, sheltered corner; provide winter protection when young. See palm cultivation indoors and palm cultivation outdoors
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 20°C in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and scale insects
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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