★★★★★ Rated 4.8 out of 5 Stars

1 Year Warranty on All Plants

Get 10% Off with code FALL10

Up to 81% Off- Shop the Fall Sale Now!

Needle Palm Tree

$13995 $29995
Size

Your Plants are Guaranteed to Grow

Your plants are guaranteed to arrive happy & healthy with our 1 Year Warranty. Your order will arrive healthy and stay healthy while they adapt to your climate. If your tree arrives damaged or dies within 30 days, we'll replace it for free. If it dies after 30 days, but before 1 year, we will replace it for just 50% of the current price.

Free Shipping on All Orders

Relax... we've got you covered with free shipping on every order! We ship out so many huge plants, we've negotiated a low rate with our carriers... and we pass those savings on to you! Your plants will ship out the next business day... expertly packed so that your plants will arrive happy and healthy!

Is Now a Good Time to Plant?

Yes! Fall is one of the best times to plant!

Landscaping experts often recommend planting in fall instead of waiting until spring. Here’s why:

  • Cooler weather puts less stress on newly planted trees and shrubs.
  • Fall soil is still warm, which helps roots grow and get established.
  • Cooler temperatures mean less water is lost through the leaves, making it easier for plants to stay hydrated.
  • Even after top growth slows for winter, roots continue developing below ground.
  • Fall weather often brings more rain and less heat, making new plants easier to care for.
  • By spring, your plants already have a head start. Their established roots can support strong new leaves, branches, and flowers.
  • Trees planted in spring must establish their roots while also dealing with rising temperatures and summer heat.

Plant this fall, and your trees can spend the cooler months getting settled instead of waiting until spring to get started!

Planting your Needle Palm Tree

Planting Instructions for Rhapidophyllum hystrix (Needle Palm)

Location:
Prefers partial shade, though it can tolerate full sun in cooler areas. In hot climates, light shade is best. Hardy in USDA zones 6-10 and can withstand temperatures as low as -10°F when mature. Plant in a spot sheltered from strong winter winds.

Soil Preparation:
Needs well-draining soil, ideally sandy loam with organic matter. pH should be slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.5). If drainage is poor, amend the soil or plant on a mound.

Planting Steps:

  • Dig a hole twice as wide and slightly shallower than the root ball.
  • Create a small mound in the center of the hole.
  • Place the palm on the mound with the top of the root ball just above ground level.
  • Backfill with soil, firm gently, and water thoroughly.
  • Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around the base, keeping it a few inches from the trunk.

Care Instructions During Establishment

Watering:
Water deeply and regularly for the first year, especially during dry periods. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Fertilizing:
Apply a slow-release palm fertilizer in spring and mid-summer, preferably one with micronutrients like magnesium and manganese.

Monitoring:
Watch for yellowing leaves, pests like scale, and ensure good soil drainage to prevent rot.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care

Watering:
After the first year, the plant becomes drought-tolerant. Water during prolonged dry spells.

Fertilizing:
Feed 2-3 times during the growing season, stopping in late summer.

Pruning:
Remove dead or damaged fronds as needed. Wear gloves to avoid the sharp needles at the base.

Winter Protection (Zones 6-7):
Mulch heavily around the base in late fall. In extreme cold, wrap the trunk with burlap or frost cloth.

Pests and Diseases:
Generally pest-resistant. Occasionally check for scale insects and treat if necessary. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

What Customers say about the Needle Palm Tree:

The Needle Palm Tree thrives in Zones 6-10

Growing Zones for the Needle Palm Tree

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

Plants that Make a Difference

For 20+ years, our team has shipped healthy, established plants to gardeners like you- all across the country. Every plant is selected and cared for by our plant experts before it ships to your door.

  • 20+ Years Experience

  • Superior Quality

  • Free Shipping on All Orders

  • Guaranteed to Grow

Needle Palm Tree Cluster growing in grass area of resort.

Beware- not all Needle Palms are the same.

Be sure to get superior palms, grown by experts.

Better Roots Make Stronger Plants: Some nurseries send you "bare root" palms to save on shipping. Even worse, others have started digging them right out of the ground before shipping. This causes major transplant shock and long-term damage. We send you Needle Palms in soil-filled containers- ensuring a well-developed root system that will explode with growth!

Healthy Plants: We've seen other nurseries grow tall palms in tiny pots to save on shipping. This leads to a "root bound" plant, where the roots have outgrown their pot- they cannot absorb water and nutrients. They quickly dry out during shipment, leading to an unhealthy plant.

Fronds of a needle palm tree growing in a group

The Needle Palm is one of the most cold-hardy palms in the world- a tough, compact way to bring a tropical look to cooler gardens.

  • Survives temperatures around 0°F and grows in zones 6-10
  • Compact, bushy clump 3-9 ft. tall and 6-8 ft. wide- great for small gardens and patios
  • Slow growing, so it rarely needs pruning and stays in scale for years
  • Low maintenance: deer resistant and drought tolerant once established

Not all plants are created equal

The Difference Is in the Roots

Every plant we ship has grown in a nursery container with its roots protected, so it arrives healthy, established and ready to thrive in your yard.

A full, branched Nationwide Plants tree in a nursery pot next to a thin bare-root tree with exposed roots Ours: container grown Theirs: bare root
Nationwide Plants Other Nurseries
How it's grown Grown in a nursery container, roots protected the whole time Pulled or dug from the field, tearing fragile roots
How it arrives Arrives in its pot with soil intact Arrives bare root, exposed and drying out
Before shipping Growing naturally until it ships Held dormant in a cooler, then shocked by a hot shipping box
Root health Strong, well-developed roots with room to grow Crammed into a small pot until it's root bound
Height Measured from the top of the soil Often includes the pot and roots
After planting Settles in quickly with less transplant shock Arrives stressed and can take years to recover, if it does

The height you see is the height you plant.

We measure every plant from the top of the soil, not the bottom of the pot. Many nurseries include the pot and roots, so a "5–6 ft." tree from them might stand only 4 ft. tall once it's planted.

Comparisons reflect common practices across the online plant industry, not any single company.

isolated group of needle palm trees on white background

Honest Measurements: Some nurseries measure plants including the pot and roots, so the plant you receive is much smaller than you expected. We measure all of our plants from the soil line, so the height you see is what you can expect after planting.

From our nursery to your door

How We Ship Your Plants

Every order is hand-selected, watered and carefully packed so it arrives healthy and ready to plant. Here's what happens after you place your order.

  1. Hand-Picked for You

    Our team selects the best plant available for your order. For privacy trees, that's the tallest and fullest. For fruit trees, it's the best branched.

    Why it matters: Many online nurseries ship whatever is next in the row.

  2. A Deep Drink Before the Trip

    Every plant gets a thorough watering right before it's packed, so it starts the journey fully hydrated.

  3. Roots Sealed In

    We wrap the pot and roots in plastic to lock in moisture, so your plant has water to drink all the way to your door.

    Why it matters: Bare-root plants are often shipped with their roots exposed and drying out.

  4. Braced for the Ride

    Cardboard inserts are secured inside every box to hold your plant in place, so it won't slide, tip or get damaged in transit.

  5. Shipped Only by FedEx

    We ship your trees exclusively with FedEx. We've found they deliver the fastest and handle live plants the most gently.

And if anything goes wrong, every plant is backed by our 1 Year Warranty.

Healthy Roots Make a Huge Difference

  • Never buy bare-root plants. These trees are starved of nutrients, and have a low survival rate.
  • Beware of nurseries cut corners by growing in small pots. These "rootbound" plants are weak, struggle to absorb nutrients, and die quickly after planting.
  • Some nurseries try to sell oversized plants, but chop off vital roots so they can cram the rootball into a narrow box to save on shipping!

You Want Needle Palms Grown by Experts

Some nurseries ship small, weak palms grown in tiny pots to save money. These "root bound" plants struggle after planting and take much longer to fill out.

Nationwide Plants only sends you strong Needle Palms, selected and cared for by our plant experts, with healthy, developed root systems. That means they settle in quickly and start forming a full, tropical-looking clump sooner.

Read more about the Needle Palm Tree

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.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Needle Palm Tree

How big does a Needle Palm get?

A Needle Palm grows 3 to 9 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide, forming a bushy clump rather than a single tall trunk. Its compact size makes it ideal for small gardens, entryways, patios, understory plantings, and large containers.

How cold hardy is a Needle Palm?

The Needle Palm is one of the most cold-hardy palms in the world and can survive temperatures around 0°F, with established plants tolerating even lower. It grows in USDA zones 6 to 10. In zones 6 and 7, mulch heavily in late fall and wrap it in burlap during extreme cold.

Why is it called a Needle Palm?

The Needle Palm gets its name from the sharp, rigid spines around its base, a natural defense against animals. Wear gloves when pruning or handling it, and plant it away from walkways and play areas where kids or pets could brush against the needles.

Does a Needle Palm need full sun?

A Needle Palm grows in full sun to partial shade, but it prefers some shade, especially in hot climates. In cooler regions it handles full sun well. Planting in a spot sheltered from strong winter winds also helps it look its best.

How fast does a Needle Palm grow?

A Needle Palm is slow growing and gradually forms a dense, clumping shrub over time. That slow growth means it rarely needs pruning and stays in scale with its surroundings for many years. Regular watering in the first year helps it establish faster.

How do you plant a Needle Palm?

Plant a Needle Palm in a hole twice as wide and slightly shallower than the root ball, setting the top of the root ball just above ground level. Backfill, firm gently, and water thoroughly. Add 2 to 3 inches of mulch, keeping it a few inches away from the base.

How often should I water a Needle Palm?

Water a Needle Palm deeply and regularly during its first year, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. After that, it becomes drought tolerant and needs water only during prolonged dry spells. It also tolerates wetter, humid sites once established.

What soil is best for a Needle Palm?

A Needle Palm does best in well-draining sandy loam with organic matter and a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.5. It tolerates clay, loam, and sand. If drainage is poor, amend the soil or plant the palm on a slight mound.

How do you fertilize a Needle Palm?

Fertilize a Needle Palm with a slow-release palm fertilizer containing micronutrients like magnesium and manganese. Feed it 2 to 3 times during the growing season, such as spring and midsummer, and stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden off before winter.

Is a Needle Palm deer resistant?

Yes, a Needle Palm is deer resistant, and it is also resistant to most pests and diseases. Its sharp spines discourage browsing animals. Occasionally check for scale insects and avoid overwatering, which is the main cause of problems like root rot.
Back to top