Hardy Palms
 

Contrary to popular belief, there are several types of palms which will not only survive, but thrive in the Atlanta-North Georgia area. Randy's is the only place in Atlanta where you will find a large selection of hardy palms.

Chinese Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei)
This is the most cold hardy trunking palm we carry, and is best suited for the Atlanta area. Originally native to Asia, Windmill palm can be found in gardens from Canada to England. It has recently gained popularity in the southeast where it is valued for its small size, fast growth and tolerance of cold. We believe this is the world's most cold hardy trunking palm! In fact, an established Windmill Palm normally grows 1' of additional trunk every year. With ideal conditions, it may even grow up to 2' of trunk per year! Windmill palm is amazingly adaptable and tolerates everything from full sun to deep (under broadleaf trees), shade. Prefers amended, but well drained, clay soil. However, once established, Windmill palm is incredibly drought tolerant! Prefers shelter from strong, drying winds. Hardy to around 0°F, and some specimens have survived temperatures as low as -5°F. The picture on the left shows a Windmill Palm in Decatur. These plants (located off of Ponce De Leon Ave) have been growing since the 1960s and have more than likely withstood several subzero readings.

Maximum height: 15-20' on average, can reach 25'+.
Crown (width): Usually only 6-8' wide. Great for compact spaces!
Growth: Average is 12" of trunk per year. Can grow 2' per year with good care.
Planting instructions: Plant in amended clay soil. Prefers good drainage. Amend soil with CLM (Complete Landscape Mix) or WSM (Woodland Soil Mix). Both of these mixes are available at Randy's.
Available in a wide range of sizes (1' to 12' + tall)

 

Needle Palm (Rhapidophyllum hystrix) - This Georgia native is among the most cold hardy. Features a shrub-like habit, slowly reaching heights of 4-7'. However, this palm makes up for its lack of speedy growth with its longevity. In fact, Needle Palm can easily live for 100 years or more with proper care. This is one of the few palms which is worthy of trial in the North Georgia mountains. Does best in part shade with moist soil. Tolerates poor drainage. Hardy from -5° to -10°F, possibly colder. 

Cabbage Palm (Sabal palmetto) - Commonly known as the "Cabbage Palmetto", this trunk forming Georgia native will reach heights of 10-15' over time. Although not a fast grower, Sabal palmetto is probably the most impressive of the hardy palms once it has reached mature size. This is also the most common the "palm tree" seen in Florida and other coastal areas of the Southeast. Sabal palmetto is surprisingly hardy, with established plants surviving 0°F when planted in sheltered places. If visiting Columbia, South Carolina, be sure to visit the state capitol. There one can find many Sabal palmettos which have survived for nearly a century!

Louisiana Palmetto (Sabal louisiana) - Similar to Sabal Palmetto, but with stout trunk and much larger leaves. A large specimen can be very impressive! Check out the Louisiana palmetto planted at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens to see a mature plant. We think after you see it, you'll want one for yourself!  Hardy to 5°F.

Dwarf Blue Palmetto (Sabal minor) - Another GA native, this palm is most common along the coast, but can also be found quite far inland. Another slow-growing shrubby species, Sabal minor can reach heights of 4-6' tall and wide upon maturity. Prefers full to part sun. Hardy 0 to -5°F.

European Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis) - Medium sized palm, usually reaching 4-5' in our climate. Clumping form. Does well in hot, sunny areas. Hardy to around 5°F, but will take some cold damage if temperatures fall below 15°F.

Silver Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) - Features stunning silver-green foliage on a low growing palmetto. Grows 2-4' tall & wide in our area. Requires a protected spot if grown in the piedmont. Will take cold damage first few winters, becoming more hardy with maturity. Hardy 5 to 10°F

Pindo Palm (Butia capitata) - Originally from South America, but has naturalized throughout coastal areas of the Southeast. Features large gray-green leaves and grows 8-10' tall. Impressive landscape specimen. Not as cold hardy as the palms listed above, requires some protection below 10 to 15°F.

Mexican Fan Palm (Washingtonia robusta) - This tall-growing palm can be seen all over Florida and portions of the desert southwest. Best if grown in a container here, not very tolerant of temperatures below 20°F.

Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) - Not actually a palm at all, Sago is actually a member of the Cycadaceae family, one of the principle plants during the Mesozoic era--over 150 years ago!! Sago, one of the few remaining Cycads, is native to parts of southern Japan. Sago is very adaptable, and can survive temperatures near 0°F. One catch is that the plant will be deciduous below 10 to 15°F. Slow grower, 3-5'.
 

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