Rhapidophyllum hystrix (Needle Palm)
Needle Palm, Blue Palmetto, Porcupine Palm
One of the hardiest palms, Rhapidophyllum hystrix (Needle Palm) is a shrubby, rounded, evergreen palm with a short, thick trunk and large, palmate, lustrous dark green leaves that can reach 3 ft. in diameter (90 cm). Borne at the tips of unarmed petioles, each leaf is deeply divided into 5-12 stiff and narrow segments, arranged in an open fan. Creamy-white flowers are held in densely branched panicles and are usually hidden by the foliage. They give way to small, reddish brown fruits. The leaf sheaths have long, needle-like, stiff and sharp spines (hence the common name), making this dense-foliaged palm impenetrable to most wildlife. Tolerating drought and heavy soils, Needle Palm is also hardy to 5°F (-15°C). It may be killed to the ground, but since it is a suckering palm, it may come back from such a hard freeze. Cultivated for its ornamental characteristics and its rusticity, Rhapidophyllum hystrix brings a handsome foliage mass to the landscape and can be used as a textural accent or a foundation plant. It also lends interest to a shady border or a container.
- Grows up to 3-6 ft. tall (90-180 cm) and 4-8 ft. wide (120-240 cm). This plant suckers along the stems to form dense clumps.
- Easily grown in moist, organically rich, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade in a location that is sheltered from winter winds. Best performance is in part-shade. Tolerates wet soils. Mulch around the base of the plant in winter.
- No serious pest or disease issues.
- Propagate from suckers or from seed. Seeds germinate in about 6 to 12 months.
- Native to South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama and Mississippi.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 6
– 10 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Palms - Cycads |
Plant Family | Palms - Cycads |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 3' – 6' (90cm – 180cm) |
Spread | 4' – 8' (120cm – 240cm) |
Spacing | 72" – 84" (180cm – 210cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Native Plants | United States, Southeast, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina |
Tolerance | Drought, Wet Soil |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |
Sanyawadee (Shutterstock)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 6
– 10 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Palms - Cycads |
Plant Family | Palms - Cycads |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 3' – 6' (90cm – 180cm) |
Spread | 4' – 8' (120cm – 240cm) |
Spacing | 72" – 84" (180cm – 210cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Native Plants | United States, Southeast, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina |
Tolerance | Drought, Wet Soil |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |