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Palms for Florida Landscapes |
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Escape to the tropics by adding palms to
your Florida landscapes. Just a slight breeze sets the large fronds in motion reminiscent
of an island retreat. Palms can be used as eye catching accents or to provide light shade
and create view barriers.
Even though mentally palms can whisk you away to a more balmy climate Central Florida
selections have to be able to survive freezing temperatures. Some hardy palms for local
plantings under eight feet tall include the lady palm, dwarf palmetto, European fan palm,
saw palmetto and windmill palm. |
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| Where you need some height
select the butia, cabbage, Canary Island date, Washington and Chinese fan palms. Garden
centers may also offer the queen, pigmy date, majesty and Senegal date palms but these are
often damaged by temperatures below freezing. Plant palms just like other trees or
shrubs and then use these good care tips to keep them attractive. |
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Stake new palms if needed to prevent wind damage. |
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Maintain a 3- to 4-inch mulch to keep the soil moist and control weeds. |
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Keep new palms moist; established palms seldom need watering. |
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Apply a palm fertilizer lightly every 4 to 6 weeks March through October |
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Remove old fronds and fruiting stalks as needed. |
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