Needle Palm Information
The needle palm, Rhapidophyllum hystrix, is a perennial shrub native to the southeastern U.S. Although it is native to this warmer region, the needle palm plant is actually very cold-hardy and gardeners further north prize it for giving their beds and yards a more tropical look. It puts out multiple stems, with sharp needles that give the plant its name, and slowly grows into a large clump that may be approximately 6 feet (2 m.) across and high. The leaves of the needle palm are glossy and green and the plant produces red drupes and tiny flowers that may be white, yellow, or brownish-purple. Naturally, the needle palm grows on shaded and wooded slopes or along streams. Many gardeners like to plant it under trees, especially live oaks.
Growing Needle Palm Plants
Growing needle palms is actually very easy. Because it is cold-hardy, adaptable to different conditions, tolerant of drought, and happy in either shade or full sun, the needle palm is a versatile shrub that can be grown by gardeners of all ability levels. One of the most important considerations is choosing an area of your yard or garden that will give the needle palm adequate space to grow and spread. It grows slowly but will fill up a space of at least 6 by 6 feet (2 by 2 m.). You can grow it in shade or sun, under trees, and even next to pools. Just avoid narrow walkways where people could be pricked by the needles. The needle palm prefers moist, well-drained soil, but will adapt to nearly any soil type.
Care for Needle Palm Trees
Once you have it in the ground, needle palm tree care is mostly hands-off. You should water it regularly until the plant is established, but then it can adapt to dry conditions or a lot of rain. Needle palm plants are slow growing, so although it isn’t necessary, you can use fertilizer twice a year to speed the growth. Use palm fertilizer that has extra magnesium and apply it in spring and late summer.
