Using short palm trees for landscaping can produce that tropical oasis for your own backyard. We think you probably were thinking of doing that!
Short palm trees can give you that lush, exotic feel without taking up so much space.
Do you have a small garden or backyard where you'd like to plant a palm? Or maybe you only have a patio in a tiny yard without room for plants. Maybe your home just has cozy outdoor seating on a deck, where palms can't be planted.
We'll give you suggestions for small palm trees for landscaping for your particular needs. We'll help bring your own type of outdoor paradise to your home.
Here at Mission: Palm Trees
Palm lovers can get info needed to ease their palm-related search tasks & worries. Enjoy our informative articles, while having fun finding what you want or need. Without unneeded shoptalk lingo & tiring endless research. We Research For You!
When choosing which short palms to get into your landscape, there are particulars to consider. You'll want to be sure the palm you get will do well in your space. Like:
Yes, you want their beauty, but many short palm trees are low maintenance, making them a practical choice for busy homeowners. Other things you'll want to know:
Here's a selection with those essential details to help you decide if one is right for you!
This one's a stunner among the short palm trees for landscaping. Also called the Pygmy Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii). Ideal for smaller backyards (or even in the front). It has graceful, feathery fronds. Sometimes they're potted using three.
The Cat Palm (Chamaedorea cataractarum) name is referencing cataracts (not an eye problem 😏, it's waterfalls!) in Mexican rainforest riversides, where it grows. Its dark green leaflets grow thickly along the stem (rachis) for added texture.
They're well-suited for potting with placement on patios or decks.
Also known as the Neanthe Bella Palm (Chamaedorea elegans), it's one of the shortest. Well known an an Indoor Palm Species because it tolerates low light & a climate zone of 10b-11.
Hyophorbe lagenicaulis is an eye-catching option for small palm trees for landscaping. As its name suggests, its notable bottle-shaped trunk is reminiscent of its own planting container!
If choosing the Bottle Palm, it's surely best as the focal point of a small landscape.
Coccothrinax miraguama is spectacular looking from its fronds to the trunk. Dark green fan fronds (palmate) atop, silvery below. Even has four subspecies.
We're speaking of the Foxtail Palm Tree. It's quite gorgeous with its bushy fronds. Not many palms have this Plumose configuration. We have some ideas for Using a Foxtail in Your Landscape, you may want to see.
There are some plants called palms, yet they're not actually palms. But they do have a tropical palmy look to them. Slightly more Cold Weather Tolerant than most true palms. Here are two that may be suitable:
Cycas revoluta, AKA King Sago Palm, may be a good fit. This most popular ancient cycad's feather-like leaves give it that palm-like appearance.
Sago Palms are tolerant of salt spray. Therefore a good choice for coastal gardens. One important precaution is Knowing the Toxicity.
Beaucarnea recurvata AKA Elephant Foot Palms are usually used as houseplants.
When placing small palm trees into your landscape design, look into their appearance for best contrast or cohesiveness. Depending on your decorative preference.
For placement, palms prefer well-draining soil & protection from harsh, cold winds. Still small palm trees have various ways for use in your landscaping.
View their overall form, the texture of the fronds, and especially their leaf & trunk coloring. You might want to circle the watering berm area with decorative stones.
It's good to be aware of the Basics of Palm Care, which will help the health of your short palm trees for landscaping in your yard. Awareness of Palm Tree Problems is also an eye-opener! Best to know Essential Nutrients palms need, too.
Mulching is a good idea for weed suppression & water retention. It can also be somewhat decorative, as a contrast to turf. Which shouldn't be too near Your Palm for Fertilizer incompatibility.
For those with limited garden space, short palm trees are well-suited for growing in containers. Place potted palms in strategic areas of your patio or deck. Like this:
If you bring your Container Pot indoors in winter, choose one that's easily movable.
No matter your purpose for using short palm trees for landscaping around your home, they'll still make your backyard retreat a happy personal paradise! Short palm trees are versatile and low-maintenance.
We hope you liked some of these choices for adding these splendid species to your garden or landscape. And will know the habits for good maintenance.