Sabal minor

RHS Plant Profile
dwarf palmetto
dwarf palmetto visionspictures.com

Other common names

bush palmetto, scrub palmetto

Synonyms

Corypha minor
Sabal minor var. louisiana
Corypha pumila

Palms

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

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Sand, Loam, Chalk

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Sand Loam Chalk
Moisture
Well–drained or Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral or Alkaline or Acid

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Arecaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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