Sabal Minor ‘Dwarf Palmetto’

The The Sabal Minor, also known as the Dwarf Palmetto, is a fan palm evergreen valued for its hardiness and tropical appearance. This Florida native is very adaptable and easy to establish in harsh, dry, and sunny locations, in addition to shaded and moist settings. The Sabal Minor brings a tropical flair to landscapes, and it remains attractive through winter.   The Sabal Minor performs well in a small garden as its large leaves and small size make it standout. Planted 4 to 6 feet apart, it can be used as dense and tall ground cover; however, the Sabal Minor also works well for container planting and can be grown indoors with bright light.   The Sabal Minor is the smaller relative to the Sabal Palmetto. With time to establish itself, it can survive the occasional winter cold or snow. The Sabal Minor can grow in nearly any type of soil as long as it is well-drained.

Ornamental Characteristics:

Native Origin:
Florida

Common Names:
Dwarf Palmetto, Bush
Palmetto, Palmetto,
Bluestem Palm

Description:
Hardy Range:  7B – 11
Mature Height:  2 – 7’
Mature Spread: 3 – 5’
Growth Rate: Slow

Ornamental Characteristics:
The Sabal Minor grows in a clustering arrangement with most of its trunk underground. Its leaves can be a green to bluish-green color, varying in size; however, its leaves can grow up to 5’ in length. The Sabal Minor’s fragrant, white flowers bloom in summer, and it also produces small, round, shiny, black fruit. Both its flowers and fruit rise above the leaves, and they may bend to the ground.

Environment:
Soil:  Well-drained
Salt: Moderate
Drought Tolerance: Low
Exposure: Full sun, partial shade