The Saw Palmetto is a cold hardy, drought resistant, low to the ground palm variety. This palm is known for its drought tolerance, cold hardiness, and tropical appeal in colder climates.
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Common Names: Saw Palmetto, Cabbage Palm, Silver Saw Palmetto, & Scrub Palm.
Scientific Name: Serenoa repens
Native Habitat: Native to southeastern United States
Unique Traits: Features a short stubby trunk and large fan-shaped fronds that spread out along the ground, providing excellent groundcover. Slow growing but long lived.
Fruit: Produces small fruit that are enjoyed by wildlife. Not edible for humans.
Growth and Physical Characteristics
- Growth Rate: Slow growing, often only a few inches per year.
- Maximum Height: Rarely grows over 10 feet tall, even in native habitat. Most often under 3 feet tall.
- Foliage Spread: Fronds can spread 5-10 feet wide. Allows ample space between plants.
Varieties:
- Silver Saw Palmetto – Serenoa repens with a slight silver tint to the leaves.
- Green Saw Palmetto – Serenoa repens with fully green leaves.
Climate Preferences and Hardiness Zone
- Temperature Range: Prefers warm weather, cold hardy to brief light frosts. Has been known to survive short flash freezes down to 0 degrees F.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 7a-11. Grow as a container plant in colder zones.
Soil Type
- Soil Requirements: Moist but well-draining soil is essential. Does poorly in dry, sandy, or salty soils.
- Potting Mix Recommendation: Cactus and palm soil mix.
- Fertilizer: Balanced palm specific fertilizer applied 2-3 times during the growing season.
Comprehensive Care Guide for Saw Palmettos
Ideal Lighting Conditions
- Light Requirements: Partial to full sun.
- Placement Tips: Excellent poolside accent or under trees with dappled light.
Watering Schedule and Techniques
- Water Needs: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Drought tolerant once established.
- Drainage Importance: Soggy soil leads to root rot. Ensure drainage holes if planting in containers.
Pest and Disease Prevention
- Common Pests: Scale, mealybugs, mites if humidity is too low.
- Solution: If your palm is suffering from pests consider applying a spray on pesticidal horticulture oil.
- Yellowing Fronds: Often due to overwatering and poor drainage.
- Leaf Tip Brown: Indicates dehydration. Water more frequently if browning occurs.
Propagating New Saw Palmettos
- Saw palmettos can be propagated by seeds or by dividing mature palmettos with multiple stems.
From a seed
To grow from seed, plant ripe seeds from female plants in a loose potting mix. Keep soil evenly moist and warm. Germination can be slow and uneven. Sprouts should be seen within a week.
By Dividing Offshoots
The easiest propagation method is to divide mature Saw palmettos. Mature multi-stemmed plants can be divided. Ensure each division has sufficient roots and fronds.
Keep new plants warm and moderately moist while establishing roots. Apply balanced liquid fertilizer once new growth emerges.
Saw Palmetto FAQs
1. Are saw palmettos true palms?
Yes, Saw palmettos are in the Arecaceae palm family.
2. Are saw palmettos drought resistant?
Saw palmettos are both cold and drought resistant!
3. Why do older fronds stay on saw palmettos after dying?
The older browned fronds form a “skirt” that helps protect the plant’s base and developing spears from intense sun exposure. Removing too many older fronds can damage newer growth.
Conclusion
The saw palmetto palm is an excellent small accent plant for any garden within USDA hardiness zones 7-11.