Sabal palmetto – The Cabbage Palm

 

The Sabal palmetto, commonly known as the Cabbage Palm or Palmetto Palm, is a hardy, slow-growing palm native to the southeastern United States. With its thick trunk and fan-shaped leaves, it provides a rugged yet elegant tropical look. Unlike many palms, it tolerates poor soils, salt spray, and hurricanes, making it a true survivor for coastal and urban landscapes.

 

Origin & History

The Sabal palmetto is native to the southeastern United States, especially Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and the Gulf Coast. It is the state tree of Florida and South Carolina, often seen lining streets and adorning coastal promenades. Historically, its trunk fibers were used for brushes, and its edible “cabbage” heart was a traditional food source.

Botanical Specifications

 

  • Botanical name: Sabal palmetto

  • Common names: Cabbage Palm, Palmetto Palm, Carolina Palmetto

  • Type: Evergreen, single-trunk palm

  • Growth rate: Slow to moderate (30–60 cm / 1–2 ft per year when mature)

  • Mature height: 12–20 m (40–65 ft)

  • Spread: 3–5 m (10–16 ft) crown width

  • Leaf type: Large, fan-shaped leaves up to 1.5–2 m (5–6.5 ft) wide

  • Cold hardiness: Tolerates down to about −12 °C (10 °F)

  • Lifespan: Extremely long-lived; often over 100 years


 

Care & Growing Conditions

 

  • Light: Thrives in full sun, tolerates partial shade

  • Soil: Very tolerant – sand, clay, even poor soils, as long as drainage is reasonable

  • Watering: Drought-tolerant when mature; water regularly during establishment

  • Fertilization: Benefits from palm fertilizer with magnesium and manganese

  • Pruning: Remove dead fronds as needed; avoid removing green fronds

  • Winter tips: Hardy to most southeastern US climates; protect only when very young

 

Benefits & Uses

 

  • Extremely tough and wind-resistant, ideal for coastal planting

  • Tolerates drought and salt spray

  • Provides evergreen structure all year

  • Habitat value for birds and wildlife

  • Signature tree for streetscapes, parks, and large gardens


 

 

Landscape Inspiration

The Sabal palmetto can be used in many ways:

  • Street tree: Lining boulevards and avenues for a classic southern look

  • Coastal gardens: Resilient against salt spray and storms

  • Public parks and plazas: Long-lived, low-maintenance shade palm

  • Large private gardens: As a centerpiece or combined with smaller tropical plants

Common Problems & Solutions

 

 

  • Slow growth: Normal for Sabal palmetto; patience required

  • Nutrient deficiencies (yellow or frizzled leaves): Use fertilizer with magnesium, manganese, and potassium

  • Cold damage (rare): Only in severe frost; protect young plants

  • Brown lower leaves: Natural aging process – prune for a clean look


 

 

Availability & Sizes

We offer Washingtonia Robusta palms in different sizes:

0 - 10 cm

10 - 30 cm

30 - 50 cm

50 - 75 cm

75 - 100 cm

100 - 150 cm




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