Palm Trees in Alabama - Palms to Grow There

Alabama has a varied climate. Because certain areas like Mobile are southerly, having the temperature calming influence of coastal waters. Auburn University's Extension shows that Alabama growing zones go from 7b in the northern part of the state, to 9b near the Gulf of Mexico & coastal plains.

• Be sure to Know What Zone You Live In.

Sabal palmetto - Nicknamed Cabbage Palm. Widely found in Alabama climates. It's not fussy about soil & grows relatively slowly to at least 60ft/18m.

• Growth zones 8-11. Possibly 7b with proper care & protection in winter.

Sabal Palmetto Growing in Enterprise Alabama
Likes Mostly Sunny Positioning When Established, Shady When Young

Sabal Minors - Another native plant in the state of Alabama.

• Nicknamed Dwarf or Bush Palmetto & Bluestem Palm. 
• For zones 6-11, even 5b with special care in winter.

Dwarf Palmetto Grows Slowly to Max of 20ft/6m at a Botanical Garden
Very Short or Underground Trunk. Likes lots of shade & water.

Serenoa repens is also called Silver Saw Palmetto. Easily grown in southern Alabama, for Zones 8-11. Cautiously for cold weather conditions in 7b, give it special care.

Saw Palmetto Doing Well With it's Starburst Look Fronds in Rock Garden Surroundings
Lower Water Needs & Does Well With Some Shady Time

AKA Jelly Palm, Butia capitata grows well in humid zones from 9-11. When established, it's fairly drought tolerant.

• Grows to 35ft/10.5m maximum in mostly sunny spots.

Pindo Palm Grows in San Francisco's 10b Hardiness Zone.
This One Could Use a Little TLC!

Have you chosen your your best Type of Palm, suitable for your Alabama landscape? The next step is Planning Your Placement on your property. Consider your Alabama climate region, the palm's specific needs, and how they fit into your landscape before finalizing your decision.

• One idea is having several along your driveway, as a border.
• Or plant one as a front or backyard focal point. Then surround them with other tropical plants.

The aesthetic palm plan is to enhance Your Tropical Getaway feel, while chillin' in your own backyard.

Groups of Palms Along the Restored Train Depot in Mobile AL

People always wonder about the cost of palm trees. Growing palm trees in Alabama can be budget-sensible. Current price of a small palm starts around $15 (US). There's not one rule about pricing. Consider these points:

• What size do you want your palm plant to be? The larger it is, the more you'll pay.
• The palm species you've decided on may be commonly sold & will have a reasonable price. 

1. Others are considered exotic, and not easily found. If you locate one, they'll be much higher priced.
2. However, you can Grow a Palm From Seed. Seeds for exotic species can often be purchased.

• The nursery from which you Buy Your Palm will also vary in pricing. Especially remember it's also about the Container Size of the Palm.

Palms Around the Mobile Alabama History Museum

Special care for your palm is next. Most palms love a sunny spot, but not all. Water it regularly according to species' needs, in well-draining soil.

Most Palms Are Easy-Care when established. It's best to look your palm over carefully every few weeks. To get right on top of any Palm Problems that come about.

All reasons why it's best to know YOUR palm. For success when planting palm trees in Alabama.

On Dauphin Island, two palms doing fine, but 2 others have died.

It might be helpful to drive around the state, noting the species you see. Envisioning how those viewed will look in your landscape.

Places to visit first are coastal areas near Mobile. Where the climate is perfect for these lush tropical plants. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are areas for stunning waterfront views. You'll note the palm tree backdrop all around.

Palms Decorate a Neighborhood in Gulf Shores AL