Rhapidophyllum hystrix
Needle Palm
Rarely seen for sale, this collector’s plant is possibly the hardiest of all palms, tolerating temperatures down to -20°C and below, but it requires a warm summer so give it a sunny spot with some protection from the wind.
Although tolerant of dry conditions, it will be much happier with a plentiful supply of water and thrives in boggy soils.
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Origin: Southeastern USA
Genus: Rhapidophyllum
Species / Cultivar: hystrix
Common Name: Needle Palm
Soil: Moisture Retaining
Soil that drains at a slower rate due to higher organic matter content.
Growth Rate: Slow
This plant is particularly slow to grow, even during growing season.
Water Requirement: High
Likely to require supplementary watering in warmer months, even once established.
Maintenance: Low
Minimal skill or input needed beyond the basics, a very independent plant.
Situation: Full Sun to Part Shade
Enjoys direct sun most of the day, but tolerant of fewer sunlit hours or light dappling.
Eventual Height: 1.2m
The plant's ultimate height in typical growing conditions.
Eventual Spread: 2m
The plant's ultimate spread in typical growing conditions.
Hardiness: Fully Hardy
Will survive unprotected outdoors in most areas of the UK, even in the harshest winters.
Care & Size Guidance
Although it can eventually reach the size of a medium shrub, this is likely to take decades, so these palms make a great talking-point for a small spot in the patio or border.
Very little maintenance is required, apart from the occasional removal of old leaves.
Responds well to regular feeding with a palm fertiliser from April to September.
Expert Tip
Watch out for the sharp spines where the leaf bases join the main stem!
This came exactly as shown in the picture, the same size which is a rarity in todays online plant world and Im really impressed.
Judith W. –