Needle Palm Tree

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

3-9 Feet

Mature Spread

6-8 Feet

Growing Zones

6 to 10

Needle Palm delivers a true tropical look without the tropical fuss. Broad, fan-shaped fronds rise from a low, clumping crown that stays compact and architectural. Exceptionally cold-hardy for a palm, it shrugs off winter and keeps its deep green presence year-round.

Use it to punctuate pathways, flank entries, or anchor poolside beds where a hardy, evergreen accent is needed. Slow growth, drought tolerance, and deer resistance make it a smart choice for busy landscapes and tight spaces.

Needle Palm Care

Give full sun to bright, dappled light; 4–8 hours of sun is ideal, with afternoon shade in very hot regions. Plant in sharply drained sandy or loamy soil, pH 6.0–7.5; avoid soggy sites. Water deeply, then allow the top 1–2 inches of soil to dry before the next soak; once established, it tolerates short dry spells. Mulch 2–3 inches with coarse bark or gravel, keeping mulch a few inches off the crown.

Feed in spring and midsummer with a slow-release palm fertilizer that includes magnesium and manganese. Prune only browned or storm-damaged fronds at the base—never remove healthy green leaves. Hardy in USDA Zones 7–10 (6b with protection) and known to handle brief dips near 0°F once established. In containers, overwinter above 45–50°F and shelter from severe wind.

Needle Palm Spacing

For a specimen, allow 6–8 ft of horizontal space and 8–12 ft of overhead clearance to accommodate mature fronds. For a low screen or mass, plant 4–6 ft on center so clumps can fill in without crowding. Keep at least 3–5 ft from paths, play areas, driveways, and doorways for safe frond and spine clearance. In containers, start with a 16–20 in diameter pot (7–10 gal) with large drainage holes; step up to 20–24 in (15–25 gal) as it grows. Use a heavy, stable container and place 2–3 ft from walls so the canopy can fan naturally.

Why Grow Needle Palm?

• True tropical texture that stays compact and architectural
• One of the most cold-hardy palms for temperate gardens
• Low maintenance once established; drought and deer tolerant
• Handles wind and coastal conditions with sharp drainage
• Versatile indoors or out in bright light, and long-lived in containers

Stout spines cluster at the crown base—wear gloves when planting or tidying, and position away from narrow, high-traffic paths. Keep soil sharply drained and never waterlog the site to help prevent crown rot.

Choose Needle Palm for bold, fan-textured foliage and four-season structure with very little upkeep. This compact, ultra-hardy palm makes any space feel intentionally tropical.