Hardy native palm - State tree of Florida & South Carolina
About Sabal palmetto
Sabal palmetto, commonly known as the Cabbage Palm or Cabbage Palmetto, is a large and robust palm native to the southeastern United States, particularly Florida, South Carolina, and coastal regions. It is a symbol of the southern landscape and is the state tree of both Florida and South Carolina, representing strength, resilience, and natural heritage.
This exceptional palm typically grows up to 20 meters (65 feet) in height, with a thick, sturdy trunk reaching up to 60 cm (2 feet) in diameter. The trunk displays a distinctive pattern of old leaf bases, creating a uniquely textured appearance that adds architectural character to any landscape. The crown consists of massive, fan-shaped fronds spanning up to 2.5 meters (8 feet) across, forming a dense, rounded canopy of deep green foliage.
What sets Sabal palmetto apart is its legendary hardiness and tolerance for harsh conditions. It thrives in coastal environments, resisting salt spray, withstanding hurricanes, and tolerating extreme temperature fluctuations. Once established, it becomes drought-tolerant while remaining adaptable to periodic flooding and poor soils. These remarkable qualities make it an essential choice for resilient landscaping.
🌴 Legendary Hardiness & Coastal Excellence: Sabal palmetto is an investment in landscape permanence. Hurricane-resistant, salt-tolerant, and drought-hardy once established, this palm thrives where others fail. Low-maintenance and visually striking, it creates an instant tropical aesthetic while requiring minimal ongoing care. Perfect for coastal properties, large estates, and enduring landscapes.
Growing Conditions
Light
Full Sun: Thrives in full sun with 6–8+ hours direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and density.
Partial Shade: Tolerates partial shade but grows more slowly with less dense foliage.
Coastal Exposure: Excellent for exposed, windy locations with full sun access.
Temperature & Hardiness
Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 8b–11. Exceptionally cold-hardy for a tropical palm.
Cold Tolerance: Can tolerate temperatures down to approximately −10 °C (14 °F). Mature plants are more cold-resistant than young specimens.
Salt & Wind: Highly tolerant of salt spray and strong winds – ideal for coastal and exposed locations.
Soil Adaptability
Extreme Flexibility: Adaptable to sandy, loamy, and clay soils. Thrives in both acidic and alkaline soils.
Drainage: Prefers well-draining soil but tolerates poorly drained, compacted soils better than most palms.
Poor Soils: Remarkable ability to thrive in marginal soils where other plants struggle – a true resilience trait.
Water Requirements
Establishment Phase: Regular watering during first year promotes healthy root establishment.
Mature Plants: Drought-tolerant once established. Periodic watering extends during extreme dry periods.
Flood Tolerance: Unique ability to handle periodic flooding – valuable for flood-prone regions.
Drainage: While adaptable, ensure soil drains adequately to prevent root issues in clay soils.
Planting & Maintenance
Planting Procedure
Location: Choose sunny site with adequate space – mature plants become substantial.
Soil Preparation: Dig hole twice as wide as root ball, same depth. Plant at original container level – never bury trunk.
Water Thoroughly: Deep watering after planting settles soil and initiates root establishment.
Suitable For: Large gardens, parks, coastal landscapes, and properties requiring hurricane-resistant specimens.
Fertilization
Timing: Apply balanced, slow-release palm fertilizer during spring and summer growing season.
Frequency: Fertilize every 6–8 weeks during warm months for optimal development.
Formula: Use balanced formulation designed for palms. Avoid over-fertilization – can create nutrient imbalances.
Low-Maintenance Care
Minimal Pruning: Remove only dead or damaged fronds. The palm is self-cleaning and naturally attractive.
Pest Resistance: Highly resistant to pests and diseases. Among the most trouble-free palms available.
Longevity: Extremely long-lived – can thrive for centuries with basic care.
Resilience: Proven performance in hurricanes, coastal storms, and extreme environmental conditions.
At VIRIAR, we specialize in delivering premium tropical plants, exotic palms, and rare seeds from our nursery in Topoľníky, Slovakia to plant enthusiasts worldwide. Every shipment is carefully packaged with phytosanitary certificates and expert care instructions to ensure your plants arrive healthy and ready to thrive.
Live Plant Shipping Expertise
We've perfected the art of shipping live tropical plants internationally. Each plant is bare-rooted, wrapped in protective materials, and shipped with moisture-retaining packaging. Our plants are quarantine-certified and come with all necessary documentation for customs clearance.
Global Delivery Network
Real-time tracking from our nursery in Slovakia to your doorstep anywhere in the world
Live Shipments
Active Routes7
Countries Served190+
Avg. Delivery Time6-8 days
Success Rate99.7%
Plants in Transit247
45,000+
Plants Delivered
€45
Starting Shipping Cost
24/7
Tracking Available
100%
Insured Shipments
Our Trusted Shipping Partners
Expert Packaging
Professional bare-root prep, moisture control, protective wrapping for long journeys.
Packaging Process
Roots cleaned & trimmed
Moist sphagnum moss wrap
Bubble wrap protection
Breathable plastic seal
Insulated box cushioning
Phyto Certificates
Official EU certificates and health inspections for international transport.
Documents Included
EU phyto certificate
Health inspection report
CITES permit if needed
Customs invoice
Species ID labels
Live Tracking
Track plants from nursery to doorstep with real-time updates.
Track & Trace
SMS & email alerts
Live GPS location
Delivery time window
Customs status
Delivery photo
Climate Control
Weather monitoring and insulated packaging for temperature protection.
Temperature Safety
Thermal insulation boxes
Heat/cold packs ready
Weather monitoring
Safe range: 5-30°C
Delay if extreme
Care Guide
Detailed planting instructions and aftercare tips included.
Complete Manual
Step-by-step planting
Zone hardiness map
Watering schedule
Soil mix recipe
24/7 expert support
Guarantee
100% alive arrival promise or free replacement.
Our Promise
100% alive arrival
Free replacement
Full refund option
Photo proof in 24h
10+ years trusted
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