Sabal Palm or Sabal Palmetto are Native to Florida, California and other Southern States. It is the floral emblem of Florida and is so hardy that it can even grow in areas affected by salt water. Just to add to its attractions, it is frost tolerant.
We like it for landscaping for its durability and for the solid look the trunk gives, as well as the good dense head of foliage. The color of the foliage is a mid medium green, however this does tend to vary according to the soil.
Creamy white flowers in large inflorescences in summer, followed by black fruit in fall.
Dwarf Sable Palms are available as well as the larger growing species. Sabal Palms will grow to 60ft, dwarf sable palms (Sabal Minor) are very low growing.
Sabal Palms are popular in Louisiana, Florida, South Carolina, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Nevada, Arizona, Georgia and California. They are widely used for street plantings, as well as specimen trees. Also planted in clumps or groves where they provide shade and shelter for wildlife.
Sabal Palm Care and Growing Conditions
In terms of Zones Sabal Palms are best in zones 7+, or a Mediterranean climate.
- A moist soil will make growth much faster than dryish conditions, in fact Sabal Palms should not be allowed to dry out.
- Old dead and damaged fronds are best removed for appearance, but wait until they begin to droop before removing.
- Use a general purpose slow release fertilzer each quarter (4 times a year) for good growth.
- A layer of mulch will help retain moisture.
Growth Rate
Generally slow, in fact the Sabal Palm will take 5 – 6 years before it forms a good sized trunk. However with regular watering and regular applications of fertilizer the growth rate can be significantly increased.
More information
Sabal Palms are also known as ‘Cabbage Palms’, the blue palm, or dwarf palmetto.
Prices will range according to height. As a guide from around $180 for a 6 ft plant upward to $250 and more for 12 ft and more.
