Dwarf Palmetto Palm

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Size
Regular price $148.00
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Ordering for Christmas? Please message us before placing your order to confirm availability and delivery timing.

10% off, $99
15% off, $249
20% off, $449

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$1500+, BUNDLE20 for 20% off
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Please contact us at sales@simplytrees.com

1 gallon, 6"
3 gallon, 8 to 10"
5 gallon, 10 to 12"
7 gallon, 14"
10 gallon, 15 to 17"
15 gallon, 17"
"Jumbo", 10 or 15 gallon

Please Note: Sizing can differ between plant varieties. Please chat with us if you need clarification.

For more information on sizing, please see our guide.

The Dwarf Palmetto is a hardy, slow‑growing fan palm celebrated for its lush, blue‑green fan‑shaped fronds and evergreen tropical silhouette. Compact yet striking, it’s ideal for small gardens, foundation plantings, rain gardens, or as a focal point for coastal and southern‑style landscapes. Because it tolerates heat, humidity, salt, and occasional frost, it’s a versatile choice for many climates.

  • Botanical name: Sabal minor
  • Evergreen Fan Palm
  • Grown in the USA

SUNLIGHT:
Full sun to partial shade

WATER:
Water deeply during the first growing season. Once established, water only during prolonged dry spells.

LEVEL OF CARE: EASY
Dwarf Palmetto is very low‑maintenance.

PET-FRIENDLY?:
Generally non‑toxic, but avoid allowing pets to chew fronds.

Note: Dwarf Palmetto grows slowly at first then stays compact and evergreen — perfect for small gardens, container planting, rain‑friendly landscapes, or tropical‑style designs.

Although it tolerates drought once established, excessive moisture or poor drainage in winter can lead to root issues. Choose a well‑drained location and consider mulching the base in colder climates for cold protection.

PLANT DESCRIPTION & MATURE SIZE

The Dwarf Palmetto Palm (Sabal Minor) is a hardy, cold‑tolerant fan palm that brings a touch of the tropics to temperate gardens. Its large, blue‑green, fan‑shaped fronds and compact, clumping habit make it ideal for creating lush, tropical‑style landscape accents, even in regions that experience winter frost.

GROWTH RATE & MATURE SIZE:

Slow to moderate growth. Mature size typically 4–8 ft tall and 4–8 ft wide, forming a clumping, often trunkless shrub.

WATERING & SUNLIGHT

Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to help roots establish. Once established, the Dwarf Palmetto Palm is moderately drought‑tolerant — water only during prolonged dry spells or extreme heat. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, adapting well to a variety of light conditions while maintaining strong evergreen foliage and structure.

PLANT CARE & PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

PRUNING:
Remove any fully brown or damaged fronds as needed; minimal pruning is required. Cut off spent flower/fruit stalks if desired for tidiness — avoid cutting healthy green fronds since they continue to contribute to plant vigor. 

FERTILIZING:
Dwarf Palmetto typically doesn’t require heavy fertilization. If soil is poor or frond color is weak, apply a balanced slow‑release palm fertilizer in early spring. Otherwise, minimal feeding is needed. 

WINTER PROTECTION:
In colder climates (near Zone 7), mulch around the base in late fall to protect roots. Shelter from harsh winter winds and avoid water‑logged soil in winter — good drainage is key for winter survival. Established plants have survived brief freezes down to 0 °F under favorable conditions.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

Choose a location with well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place the Dwarf Palmetto in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with native soil, gently firming it around the root zone to eliminate air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting, then apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot. In colder zones, mulch also helps insulate the roots over winter. During the first growing season, water regularly to help establish a strong root system. Once established, the palm requires minimal care and infrequent watering.

USDA GROW ZONE:

Zones 7–10

Dwarf Palmetto thrives in warm climates typical of USDA Zones 7–10, where summers are hot and humid and winters mild. It’s one of the hardiest native palms in the U.S., often surviving winters in Zone 7 and sometimes even colder zones when given shelter or mulch protection. In its native range it grows in wetlands, floodplains, and moist forests, but in cultivation it adapts well to dry or sandy soils once established. This palm’s cold tolerance, drought resilience, and adaptability to various soil conditions make it an excellent choice for landscapes that require low‑maintenance but still want a tropical aesthetic.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Dwarf Palmetto typically grows 4 to 8 feet tall and wide, forming a dense clump of fan-shaped leaves. It often appears trunkless or with a very short, underground trunk.

This palm grows slowly, especially in cooler climates. Expect modest growth of a few inches per year, with more vigorous development in warmer, humid zones.

Yes! Sabal Minor is one of the most cold-hardy palm species, surviving temperatures as low as 0°F once established. It’s ideal for USDA Zones 7–10 and can even tolerate brief frosts in colder zones with protection.

It grows well in full sun to partial shade. In hot climates, partial afternoon shade may help reduce leaf scorch, especially in young plants.

Yes. Once established, Sabal Minor is moderately drought-tolerant. It prefers occasional deep watering during extended dry periods but can thrive with minimal irrigation.

Plant in early spring or fall when temperatures are mild. This allows roots to establish before the heat of summer or cold of winter.

Very little! Simply remove brown or damaged fronds and spent flower stalks as needed. Avoid trimming healthy green leaves, as they support the plant’s energy production.

Yes, it does well in large containers with proper drainage. Container-grown palms are a great option for patios, entryways, or areas where overwintering indoors may be needed.

Yes. Sabal Minor is non-toxic to pets and humans, and its soft fan-shaped fronds are less sharp than other palm varieties, making it a safe landscape choice.

Yes. In late spring to early summer, it produces small creamy-white flowers on tall stalks, followed by black berry-like fruit that attracts wildlife like birds and small mammals.

More Details

We process and ship your order as quickly as possible, typically within 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your item(s) ship.

We have perfected packaging and shipping plants & trees! That is why we DO NOT use any third-party fulfillment like most other online retailers. Your trees go straight from our farm to your door, safely packaged by our team of seasoned professionals. Our process ensures your plants leave our facility and arrive to your door in the best condition possible!

In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

Please allow additional ship times during inclement weather and sale periods. We do not process or ship orders on the weekend or U.S. Holidays. Simply Trees is not responsible for delays due to carriers, local disruptions, or weather.

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Learn more about our Shipping Policy

At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 1 year guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 1 year guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.

All California orders require a mandatory inspection by the Texas Department of Agriculture (yep, it’s a USDA thing!). These inspections happen about once a week—typically on Tuesdays, though the day can vary. If you place an order just after an inspection, your plant may not ship for several days until the next one. Unfortunately, we’re not able to expedite this part of the process.

Also, due to USDA regulations, we’re unable to ship oak trees, citrus or fruit trees (except olive trees) to California. This rule helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases and applies to nurseries across the country.

Thanks for your patience—we’ll make sure it’s worth the wait.

What's inside?

Your order from Simply Trees is more than just a box of plants—it’s a carefully curated experience. Here’s what’s inside:

  • We hand-select our plants for premium-quality from top growers nationwide
  • Each plant is then cleaned, prepped, and pruned to remove any blemishes and encourage new growth
  • Expertly treated and inspected for preventative measure
  • The pot is wrapped in a durable plastic bag and secured with a zip tie; house plants get extra protection with a recyclable nursery bag
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We take pride in making sure every detail is just right, so you can enjoy your new greenery from the moment it arrives.

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We've perfected the art of packaging and shipping plants and trees! Unlike most online retailers, we handle everything in-house—no third-party fulfillment. Our experienced team carefully packages your plants to ensure they arrive from our farm to your door in perfect condition.