Description
Rhapidophyllum hystrix, the needle palm, is native to coastal margins of the subtropical eastern Gulf and south Atlantic states of the ,USA. It is one of the most cold hardy palms in the world , hardy to around -18C before it is damaged.
The needle palm is shrublike and clumping with several stems growing from a single base, , eventually forming a dense bush, with numerous sharp needle-like spines produced between the leaves, reaching 2–3 m in height.
The scientific name Rhapidophyllum means “needle-leaf”, while hystrix is from the scientific name of a genus of porcupines.
This is in my opinion another under rated palm for the UK ,where its reputation for slow growth puts people off. Yet ,it is capable of retaining leaves for many years , the leaves give a glossy deep green colouration that no other cold hardy palm provides , and it is capable of filling a shady space that would be considered too shady for most other palm species. It can and will become a very beautiful addition to the garden if sited and treated correctly.
Conventional wisdom is to plant it in the hottest most sunbaked spot in the garden due to its heat requirement without any consideration for the fact it grows in swamps under tree canopies in habitat.
My personal experience with this plant is that if its given a nice shady or semi-shady spot where it receives adequate irrigation, it will grow sufficiently quickly to maintain its appearance and maintain a display of deep green glossy leaves.
scott morgan –
I bought a 10 litre plant a few months ago. It arrived promptly and very well packaged. I planted it straight in the garden where it is growing very well. Each sucker has put out at least one new leave and the main stem is also sending out flowers.
A very under-rated palm and not as slow growing as some say. This is my third Rhapidophylum hystrix. They are great palms for understorey and shade planting. The 10 litre size is great value and larger than expected!
Thank you Hardy Palms for another great value plant!
huporhaha (verified owner) –
I needed a palm for an area that does not get much sun and is quite damp. This little beauty was just the ticket. She (I’ve called her Rachel) arrived, beautifully packaged and very promptly. She is healthy and in a decent pot. Full marks – I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Hardy Palms to any exotics grower as they really provide a good service and excellent value for money. Perfect.
BenBesse (verified owner) –
Bought the 5 litre plant. Really good size for the price, and looks healthy with nice dark green foliage, strong roots. Plus well packed and fast delivery. Definitely recommend, will order again.
Paul (verified owner) –
Purchased one of the 10l plants in 2019. Has taken the winter with no damage and is growing well in spring 2020. Great quality and value as always.
Barry Mills (verified owner) –
I bought a 1.4 litre plant., which arrived in great condition and is a good healthy plant.
phil –
I bought a large specimen off Nigel when I visited some years back-an absolutely beautiful plant for a great price. As stated this species looks amazing in a moist, sheltered, shaded area and still looks fantastic. It grows at a steady pace and not as slow as people say-but planting it in an exposed windy location really damages those leaves.