Regardless of whether you live in a warm climate, there is a great deal of Cold Hardy Palm Trees that can live in your zone. Many people think that palm trees can ONLY be grown in extremely tropical areas, however, they can actually be grown in most states! ( Some need winter protection )
We are obviously used to seeing palm trees in southern parts of the United States and other hot spots around the globe, but you'll be shocked to discover that there are more than a few cold-hardy palm trees that can survive a deep freeze amid the winter months. You can have these palms in states like Texas, Georgia, Washington, Oregon, South Carolina, and more!
These are the most popular cold-hardy palm trees based on availability, ease of care, cost, and cold hardiness.
Top 10 Cold Hardy Palm Trees
The Bismarck Palm Tree is local to the island of Madagascar. This palm can endure cold temperatures down to 15-20F when developed enough. The Bismarck palm grows at a medium to semi-fast rate and is ideal for USDA zones 8b-11. This palm is sturdy and can endure high breezes and extremely warm temperatures. The silver-green fan-molded leaves will add a sensational impact to any scene. Bismarckia nobilis is low upkeep and simple to develop.
The Cabbage Palm is native to parts of the Southeast United States. This palm is truly strong and will endure a wide assortment of soils and climates. The Cabbage Palm is an extremely cold hardy palm that can also endure dry spells as well as cold down to 10-15F when developed. This palm develops at a slower rate and is ideal for USDA zones 8a-11.
The California Fan Palm is native to parts of North America. It is wildly popular in states like Arizona, New Mexico, and California, but could be grown in others based in its cold-hardy traits. This palm tree can endure a long dry season but can also survive when temperatures drop down to 15-20F, at least when more developed. This is a pretty fast growing palm and is ideal for areas in USDA zones 8a-11. Make sure to stay on top of trimming this palm, typically when the fronds drop down to a 90-degree angle. Be sure to cut as close to the trunk as possible.
The Chinese Fan Palm comes from China and southern Japan. This Fan Palm is a tough cold hardy palm that can endure droughts and dry spells just as well as low temperatures down to 10-15F when mature. This fast grower is ideal for climates in USDA zones 8a-11. Livistona chinensis can be seen in Arizona, Texas, Florida, and California, as well as attempted in other locations nearby.
The European Fan Palm is also commonly known as the Mediterranean Palm Tree. This rapidly developing palm is local to the Mediterranean district of Europe. This palm is an alluring, shaggy, evergreen that is amazingly durable. The European Fan Palm is one of the most cold-hardy palm tree varieties that can easily endure cold down to 5-10F. It is ideal for climates in USDA zones 7b-11.
The Mexican Fan Palm comes from the driest areas of Mexico. This gorgeous palm is a cold hardy palm that can endure cold down to 15-20F when developed enough. This very fast-growing palm is ideal for climates in USDA zones 8b-11. Beware of jagged edges on the fronds, and make sure to trim, unless you want your palm tree to form a "palm hula skirt"
The Needle Palm tree is found mostly in the southeastern part of the United States. This remarkable palm is amazingly cold-hardy and can actually endure cold down to - 10F when developed enough. This slow grower is ideal for areas in USDA zones 5b-11. The needle palm tree is the hardiest of all of the cold hardy palm trees, especially when mature.
The Pindo Palm Tree, also known as the Jelly Palm tree, is local to South America. This palm is a very tough palm that can endure low temperatures down to 5-10F. This beauty grows at a moderate rate and is ideal for places in USDA zones 7b-11. This palm is anything but difficult to develop, however it does require some upkeep to keep its impeccable appearance.
The Saw Palmetto Palm is otherwise called a Sabal Palm. It is local to Florida, Georgia, and parts of South Carolina and develops all over the southeastern United States. The Saw Palmetto Palm is an extremely cold solid palm that can endure cold down to 0-5F. This slow-developing palm is ideal for climates in USDA zones 7a-11.
The famous Windmill Palm Tree is local to eastern China and can even be found growing in the mountains there. The Windmill Palm is a cold hardy palm that can endure cold down to 5-10F once grown up. This slower-developing palm is ideal for chilly regions in USDA zones 7b-11. The windmill is very popular due to its unique look, furry trunk, and cold hardiness.