Did you know that Royal Crest Nurseries carries ten types of palms that are good from Zones 7 to Zone 8?  There is a surprisingly large spectrum of palm material that can go as far north as the coast of Maryland, Atlanta, and even the southern portion of Tennessee !    But that doesn’t mean these palms are ONLY good for the frigid north.  They have a place for the central and northern parts of Florida as well, which are capable of quite cold temperatures that would wipe out their more tropical cousins. 

Starting from the furthest north,  here is our selection of cold hard palms, hardy to Zones 7 and 8. 

The Needle Palm (Rhapidophyllum hystrix aka Native Lady Palm).
The needle palm is cold hardy to Zone 7 and can withstand temperatures as cold as -5 degrees F (-20.6 C) !  Getting its name from the needle like twigs that shoot out from its bud, the Needle Palm has a dark green color and it is naturally found in the woods as an understory plant.   In addition to its admirable cold hardiness, the Needle palm is also native to North America,  the southeast being  its natural setting. More Needle Palm Information

The Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei).
The Windmill Palm is also hardy to Zone 7 and can withstand temperatures as low as 0 degrees F (-17.8C).  Getting its name from its obvious resemblance to a Windmill, the Windmill Palm can even tolerate light snow cover and is found in parts of the British Islands and southern Norway.   Its trunk is covered with a fur like covering in what seems to be mother nature’s protection from this palm’s tendency toward  colder temperatures.  Native to China. More Windmill Palm Information

The Blue Stem Palmetto (Sabal minor).  AKA;   Dwarf Palmetto, Scrub Palmetto, Bush Palmetto.
This palm is cold hardy to Zone 7 and can take temperatures as low as 5 degrees F (-15 C).  The Sabal minor never develops a trunk to speak of, hence the common name Blue Stem Palmetto.  Typically an understory palm, however  it can tolerate full sun given enough water and nutrients.  Another North American native, the Sabal minor has tolerated winters in New York, but its natural setting is the Southeastern US.  More Sabal Palm Information

The European Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis).   AKA; Mediterranean Fan Palm.
Cold hardy to Zone 7b, the European Fan can tolerate temperatures  as low as 0 degrees F (-17C).  Known most for its tendency to create multiple trunks, a well groomed European Fan makes a spectacular specimen palm feature for any landscape.  As the name implies, it is native to southern Europe around the Mediterranean sea.  More European Fan Palm Information

The Pindo Palm (Butia capitata).  AKA; Jelly Palm, Wine Palm.
Cold hardy to Zone 8, and can go as low as 10 degrees F (-12.2C).  It is considered the hardiest feather-leafed palm currently under cultivation.   The “jelly” palm produces a small orange fruit similar in appearance to the loquat.  The taste is a mixture of pineapple and banana and is excellent for making jam or jelly.   The Pindo Palm varies greatly in appearance and size according to its surroundings.  Native to Argentina. More Pindo Palm Information

Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens).  AKA; Scrub palmetto.
Hardy to Zone 8A and can tolerate at least 15 degrees F( -9.4 C).   Never getting too tall, the Saw Palmetto’s most typical application is as a tall groundcover (reaching a height of 3-6’, typically) and/or understory.  The Saw Palmetto does not tolerate being moved, so container grown plant material is most recommended.  Native to the Southeastern United States, especially the Pinelands of the coastal areas. More Saw Palmetto InformationMore Saw Palmetto Information

Canary Island Date Palm (Phoenix canariensis).
Hardy to Zone 8b, the Canary island can take temperatures under 20 degrees Farenheit (-7 C).  Used most as a specimen palm, the Canary Island gets an enormous head that should be considered before planting.  A spread of 20’ is typical.  Although cold- hardy, the Canary is more vulnerable to disease than most other palms, and requires  knowledgeable handling and pest control.  Native to the Canary Islands.  More Canary Island Date Palm Information

Mule Palm (X Butiagrus nabonnandii).
This rare palm is a cross between the Butia Palm and the Queen Palm.  Hardy to 15degrees Farenheit (-10 C)., the appearance of this palm depends upon the direction of crossing from the parents.  The mule that most closely resembles the Queen Palm is most preferred because it offers a more tropical look with the cold hardiness of the Pindo Palm.  More Mule Palm Information

Sylvester Palm (Phoenix sylvestris).   AKA;  Indian Date, Wild Date, toddy Palm.
Cold hardy to Zone 9A, or 22 degrees Farenheit (-5.6 C).  The Sylvester palm bears a resemblance to the Canary island Date palm, especially in its youth.  Highly drought tolerant and hardy,  however  it  has recently proven to be vulnerable to lethal yellowing disease.  The Sylvester palm is native to India. More Sylvester Palm Information

Washingtonia  robusta.  AKA;  Washington Palm, Mexican Fan Palm, Mexican Washingtonia.
The Washingtonia Palm is tolerant of temperatures as low as 20 degrees Farenheit (-6.7C).  Most notable about the Washingtonia is its enormous size,  topping out at 70-100’ Ht, this fact should always be noted before planting this palm.  Excellent for streetscape, it offers a very uniform look and exotic presentation.  Native to Mexico.  More Washingtonia Robusta Information