Palms for Cold Weather

Cold hardy palm trees can withstand temperatures below 32oF/0oC for brief periods. Some can survive in temperatures as low as 10 to 15^oF (-12.2 to -9.4 Celsius) Cold-hardy palms are typically adaptable. Their resilience means growing them in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 9 is doable. And with care, (like giving them a winter coat 😉) perhaps lower!

Worrying About Their Palm When Faced With Frosty Temps

We've seen palms growing in coastal Norway, in northern Germany & up in the U.S.'s Northeast: New Jersey! Certainly must be palm species for cold weather.

Well established Palms at Hurum Buskerud, Norway.

This species, suited for cold weather, is one of the most common types of cold-hardy palms. That's because it probably originated in cold mountain regions of China.

It's a favorite among palm aficionados in cooler climates. Preferring nippy Mediterranean climes with full sun & without continuous wind. It has distinctive windmill-shaped fronds. It's best in Zones 7b-11, but has survived well is some 7a microclimates.

This palm can handle temperatures down to -10F (-23C)!

This Windmill Palm Seems Quite Happy While Flowering
At the Jardin des Plantes in France

Another fabulous species to consider when you need a palm for cold weather areas. Palm horticulturists laud it as one of the hardiest palms out there. Even in Zones 5 & 6. But not at all worrisome up to Zone 10. It can shrug off temperatures hitting -5^oF to -20^oF (-21C to -29C). It's a surprise really, as they're originally from the southeastern states of the U.S.

It's a species that survives drought & some neglect. Needs placement where there's a good amount of daily shade. Regular watering is best though, as one of its endemic areas is swamps. But flexible for soil.

Is it the perfect fit for your cooler area?

Needle Palm Looking Good! In Florida.

Any list of cold hardy palm trees needs completion with this sturdy plant.  This clumping (almost always & the most cold hardy) palm tree is native to Mediterranean regions. So another common name is the Mediterranean Fan Palm.

A versatile species, it can survive a range of challenging environmental conditions, from extreme cold to drought. Ensure the soil is well-draining in a sunny home. Don't surround it with dense flora that cuts air circulation. Tolerating temps as low as 15°F/-9°C, particularly in drier climes.

This European Fan Palm, the Chamaerops humilis is a variant: Argentea.
A less common type with a solitary trunk.

Also called Bush Palmetto & Swamp palmetto. It does fine in Zones 6-11. Even has been grown in Zone 5. Most grow in a clumping manner, keeping trunks underground. They're even used as groundcover. It likes moist soil & shady times for much of the day.

Sabal minor palms growing wild at Reed Bingham State Park in Georgia

Typically best for Growing Zones 7-8. It's known to survive short-term temps as low as -11^oF/-24^oC! But likely damage would need to be assessed.

Not so worrisome with a drop to 20^oF/-7^oC.

It's believed it can better tolerate low temps in a drier clime. As such, it's drought tolerant. A Mediterranean climate is ideal. These are among the famed Palm on the Streets of LA. So note how this tall palm would fit into your own landscape. 

Art Depiction of California Palm Trees Growing on a Hillside.

The species is renowned for its unique silvery-blue fronds and sweet fruit. There are many hybrid Butias out there, and they're all palms for cold weather.

Known as the most hardy pinnate palm. For Zones 8-11 it prefers drier climates. So it is drought tolerant, though does better with regular water. With that, it can withstand temperature lows of -10F/-23C.

Pindo Palm - Some are anticipating its delish fruit!

This small-sized palm does well in Zones 10-11. It's been tried in 9b with some success, especially when using cold protective measures. It can temporarily tolerate temperatures just below freezing.

It appears gorgeously attractive when planted in threes.

Growing in Threes is a Fabulous Method
But Might These Need a Little Support?

Its striking trunk may be acting like an overcoat against the chill! 🤔As it wears a fibrous weave with intermittent pointy spines. Growing slowly to reach only about 35 feet (11.7m) up.

It prefers drier climates like that of its native Brazilian savannahs. Which takes it to Zones 8-11. You can try it with more humid areas, but then the lowest is in Zone 9. It can't tolerate low temps for long, though.

Brazilian Needle Palm Growing on a Rocky Hillside
At Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil.

Whichever palm for cold weather you decide upon, there are consequences if the temperature dips too low. Especially when it lasts for days. We know of fully tropical palms that were injured when temps dipped to 50^oF/10^oC.

Will Any of These Palms Suffer Ill Effects Down the Road? - To Be Determined in the Future!