Needle Palm Tree
Your Plants are Guaranteed
Your Plants are Guaranteed
Your plants are guaranteed to arrive happy & healthy with our 30 Day Plant Promise. Your order will arrive healthy and stay healthy while they adapt to your climate. If not, just call us at (704) 443-8256.
Free Shipping on All Orders
Free Shipping on All Orders
Free shipping on all orders. Your plants will ship out the next business day... expertly packed so that your plants will arrive happy and healthy!
Planting & Care
Planting & Care
How We Ship Your Plants
Ordering live plants online should feel exciting, not stressful! We only ship healthy, well-rooted trees and plants!
Beware- not all plant nurseries are the same! Others can cut corners to save money:
- We never ship bareroot plants
- We never cut roots to fit into a small box
- We always ship plants with healthy, developed roots so they establish faster at your home
- We focus on plant health first- not minimizing shipping costs
A strong root system is the foundation for long-term success, and we believe your plant should arrive ready to thrive- not struggling to recover from shortcuts.
How we Select Your Plants
Once you place your order, our nursery team selects your plant and inspects it to make sure it meets our quality standards. Every plant we ship is chosen for:
- Strong health and vibrant foliage
- A well-developed root system
- Correct sizing based on your order
We take pride in sending plants that are ready to succeed when they arrive at your home. We try our best to exceed your expectations!
Once your plants are selected, we give them a drink of water before their journey. Then, we wrap each plant's roots up in a plastic bag, so that they do not dry out during shipping.
Carefully Packed & Protected
Live plants can’t be packed like ordinary boxes, so we do it differently.
Your plant is carefully secured inside a strong shipping box to protect it while traveling. Packaging may include:
- Support materials for stability
- Protection around the pot and roots
- Reinforced boxing for added protection
For larger trees, we use oversize boxes designed to safely accommodate the size and structure of your plant during shipping.
Sometimes, you will receive multiple plants inside a box. This is helpful because it can evenly distribute the weight throughout the box, which helps keeps the plants safe and secure throughout delivery.
Fast & Reliable with FedEx
Most Nationwide Plants orders ship with FedEx. Over the years, we’ve found FedEx to be the best carrier for live plants, especially larger items, because:
- They deliver quickest across the country
- They are the most gentle with live plants
- Faster transit means less plant stress
Once your order ships, we will email you tracking information so you can follow your delivery from our nursery to your doorstep.
We ship Monday through Friday. Most orders ship the next business day, unless you request a custom shipping date.
Multiple Nursery Locations
We ship from multiple locations across the country, including both the East Coast and West Coast. This allows us to:
- Deliver faster in more regions
- Reduce time in transit for your plants
- Ship large items more efficiently
How We Measure Your Trees
We measure tree height from the soil line, not including the pot.
That means when you order a 5-6 ft. tree, you’re getting a tree that is 5-6 ft. tall above the soil, not “including the container.” This gives you a good idea of what to expect when your trees arrive, and what they will look like when they are in the ground.
After Your Plants Arrive
It’s completely normal for a plant to look slightly different after shipping. Your plant has been traveling in a box, so you may notice:
- Minor leaf drop
- Soil that shifted slightly in the pot
- Temporary drooping from being in a darker environment
In most cases, your plant perks up quickly once it’s unboxed, watered (if needed), and placed in the proper environment.
Unboxing Your Plants
When your plants arrive, we recommend:
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Open carefully (avoid cutting into foliage)
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Remove all packing materials
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Check soil moisture (If the soil feels dry, give it a thorough watering)
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Let the plant recover (Give it a little fresh air after shipping)
If you ever have questions or concerns, we’re happy to help!
Our 30-Day Plant Promise
We stand behind every order we ship with our 30-Day Plant Promise.
If your plant dies within 30 days of delivery, we will replace it or refund it. We’ve found that if there are ever issues, they typically show up in the first 30 days- so this guarantee gives our customers real peace of mind.
If anything doesn’t look right, contact us and we’ll help you troubleshoot quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you ship bare-root plants?
No. We ship in soil with an established root system for the best success after delivery.
How fast will my order ship?
Most orders ship the next business day, unless you request a custom ship date.
Will my plant survive shipping?
Yes. Plants are resilient when packed correctly and shipped quickly. Our process is designed to protect your plant throughout transit.
What if my plant arrives droopy?
This is usually temporary from being in a dark box. Unbox promptly, check moisture, and allow time to adjust. If you’re concerned, reach out—we’re here to help.
Want Bigger Plants?
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The Needle Palm Tree thrives in Zones 6-10 
If you live in the green area above, we recommend the Needle Palm Tree. |
||
| Your Growing Zone | ||
| Recommended Zones | 6-10 | |
| Mature Height | 3-9 ft. | |
| Mature Width | 6-8 ft. | |
| Cannot Ship To | AZ, OR | |
| Sunlight | Full to Partial Sun | |
| Botanical Name | Rhapidophyllum hystrix | |
|
The Needle Palm Tree thrives in Zones 6-10
If you live in the green area above, we recommend the Needle Palm Tree. |
|
| Your Growing Zone | |
| Recommended Zones | 6-10 |
| Mature Height | 3-9 ft. |
| Mature Width | 6-8 ft. |
| Cannot Ship To | AZ, OR |
| Sunlight | Full to Partial Sun |
| Botanical Name | Rhapidophyllum hystrix |
Description
Description
Needle Palm: A Tough, Tropical Beauty for Any Landscape
Want a touch of the tropics without the worry of winter damage? Meet the Needle Palm, a compact yet incredibly hardy palm that thrives even in cooler climates. With its lush, fan-shaped fronds and adaptability, this resilient plant brings year-round greenery and exotic charm to any space.
Why You’ll Love It
- Cold Hardy: Withstands temperatures as low as 0°F, making it a rare tropical option for northern gardeners.
- Compact & Versatile: Grows just 6-8 feet tall, ideal for small gardens, patios, or as a striking accent plant.
- Low Maintenance: Requires little upkeep—deer-resistant, drought-tolerant, and thrives in various conditions.
Where It Shines
The Needle Palm is perfect as a focal point in garden beds, a patio accent in containers, or a natural border plantfor added privacy. Its clumping habit and evergreen foliage ensure year-round visual appeal.
What Makes the Needle Palm Special?
- Fine, needle-like fronds: The leaves are thin, fan-shaped, and deeply divided, giving them a soft, feathery appearance.
- Compact growth: Needle Palms are slow-growing and bushy maxing out between 6 and 8 feet, making them ideal for indoor or container cultivation.
- Dark fibrous base: The trunk is covered in thick brown fibers, which is a distinctive feature of this species.
- Hardiness: This palm is one of the most cold-hardy species, capable of tolerating cooler temperatures.
- Drought-tolerant yet moisture-loving – Once established, it can survive dry conditions, but it also thrives in more humid, swampy areas, making it incredibly versatile.
If you’ve ever wanted a palm tree but thought your climate was too cold, this is your answer. Rhapidophyllum hystrix, commonly known as the Needle Palm, is one of the most cold-tolerant palms in the world, capable of surviving down to 0°F, and even lower with protection. Unlike many other palms that struggle in frost, this one shrugs off cold snaps with ease.
But it’s not just about hardiness. The Needle Palm has lush, deep green fronds that spread out in a graceful fan shape, giving your landscape a tropical feel no matter the season. It grows in a clumping form, rather than a single trunk, making it stand out from more common palm varieties.
Where to Plant It
Because of its compact size and evergreen foliage, the Needle Palm is a great option for:
Entryways & patios – Frame your front door or outdoor seating area with its bold, green presence.
Privacy screens – Its clumping habit allows you to plant multiple together for a lush, dense barrier.
Understory planting – Works beautifully beneath larger trees or in woodland gardens.
Container gardening – If you’re not in a warm climate year-round, you can grow it in a pot and bring it indoors during the coldest months.
Is It Safe for Kids and Pets?
One thing to note—the Needle Palm gets its name from the sharp, rigid spines at its base. These are a natural defense mechanism against herbivores (and unwanted garden visitors), but they mean you should be mindful when planting near high-traffic areas. If you have kids or pets, consider placing it in a spot where they won’t accidentally brush against it.
The Minimal-Maintenance Plant You’ve Been Looking For
Deer-resistant – Perfect for gardens where deer tend to snack on foliage.
Pest and disease-resistant – Unlike other palms that can be susceptible to scale or fungal issues, the Needle Palm rarely has problems.
No pruning required – Its natural growth habit means no trimming to maintain shape.
How to Care for Your Needle Palm
- Sun Exposure: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Soil: Well-draining soil is best; tolerates clay, loam, and sand.
- Watering: Water regularly when young; once mature, it’s drought-tolerant.
- Mulching: Helps retain moisture and protect roots in extreme cold.
Is This the Palm for You?
If you want the exotic beauty of a palm tree without the hassle of constant care, the Needle Palm is the perfect fit. It brings tropical charm to colder climates, thrives in a variety of conditions, and stands out with its unique, clumping growth. Whether you plant it as a focal point or use it as a natural privacy screen, this hardy palm will be a year-round statement in your landscape.
Plant Details Grid
- Mature Height: 6-8 feet
- Mature Width: 6-8 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Botanical Name: Rhapidophyllum hystrix
- Other Common Names: Needle Palm Tree
Ready to give your garden a tropical boost—no matter your climate? The Needle Palm is waiting.