When you think palm trees, you tend to think heat. Whether they’re lining the streets of Los Angeles or populating desert islands, palms hold a place in our consciousness as hot weather plants. It’s true, most varieties are tropical and sub-tropical and can’t tolerate freezing temperatures. However, some other palm varieties are actually very hardy and can withstand temperatures well below 0 degrees F. (-18 C.). Keep reading to learn more about hardy palm trees, particularly palm trees that grow in zone 7.
Palm Trees that Grow in Zone 7
Needle Palm – This is the most cold hardy palm around, and a great choice for any new cold weather palm grower. Needle palm has been reported to be hardy down to -10 degrees F. (-23 C.). It does best with full sun and protection from wind, though. Windmill Palm – This is the hardiest of the trunked palm varieties. Windmill palm has a very good survival rate in zone 7, withstanding temperatures down to -5 degrees F. (-21 C.) with some leaf damage starting at 5 degrees F. (-15 C.). Sago Palm – Hardy down to 5 degrees F. (-15 C.), Sago palm is the cold hardiest of the cycads. It needs some protection to make it through the winter in the cooler parts of zone 7. Cabbage Palm – Cabbage palm can survive temperatures down to 0 degrees F. (-18 C.), though it starts to suffer some leaf damage around 10 degrees F. (-12 C.).
Tips for Zone 7 Palm Trees
While these trees should all survive reliably in zone 7, it’s not unusual for them to suffer some frost damage, especially if exposed to bitter winds. As a rule, they’ll fare much better if given some protection in winter.