When it comes to landscaping, palm trees are often associated with towering specimens that dominate the tropical scenery. However, if you have limited space or a smaller garden, you can still enjoy the exotic beauty of palms by opting for small palm trees.
In this article, we will explore 20 types of small palm trees that are perfect for landscaping. Whether you’re in Florida or any other region, these palm trees will add a touch of elegance and a tropical vibe to your front yard, pool area, or even potted arrangements.
1. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
- Plant Type: Palm
- Geographic Origin: Madagascar
- Plant Size: 6-8 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Plant Zone: 10-11 (USDA)
Being the most popular out of all small palm trees, the Areca Palm, also known as the Butterfly Palm, is a popular choice for landscaping in Florida and other warm regions. Its feathery, arching fronds create a graceful and tropical appearance. This clumping palm grows to a height of 6-8 feet, making it ideal for smaller spaces or as a potted plant. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and is suitable for USDA zones 10-11.
2. Pygmy Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii)
- Plant Type: Palm
- Geographic Origin: Southeast Asia
- Plant Size: 6-10 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Plant Zone: 9-11 (USDA)
The Pygmy Date Palm is a compact and versatile palm tree that adds a touch of elegance to any landscape. Its slender trunk is topped with arching fronds, giving it a graceful appearance. Growing to a height of 6-10 feet, this palm tree is well-suited for small gardens, pool areas, or container planting. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and is suitable for USDA zones 9-11.
3. European Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis)
- Plant Type: Palm
- Geographic Origin: Mediterranean
- Plant Size: 6-10 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Plant Zone: 8-11 (USDA)
Originating from the Mediterranean region, the European Fan Palm is a compact and hardy palm tree that adds a touch of exotic beauty to any landscape. Its fan-shaped leaves are a vibrant green color, and its multiple trunks create a clumping effect. Growing to a height of 6-10 feet, this palm tree thrives in full sun to partial shade and is well-suited for USDA zones 8-11. Its adaptability makes it a great choice for small front yards or as a focal point in a potted arrangement.
4. Dwarf Palmetto (Sabal minor)
- Plant Type: Palm
- Geographic Origin: Southeastern United States
- Plant Size: 3-6 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Plant Zone: 7-10 (USDA)
The Dwarf Palmetto, native to the southeastern United States, is a small palm tree (originating from its larger brother, the Sabal Palmetto) that is perfect for adding a touch of native beauty to your landscape. It features large, fan-shaped leaves and a compact growth habit, reaching a height of 3-6 feet. This palm thrives in full sun to partial shade and is well-suited for USDA zones 7-10. Its smaller size makes it an excellent choice for small front yards or as a border plant.
5. Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)
- Plant Type: Palm
- Geographic Origin: Southern China
- Plant Size: 6-10 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Partial shade
- Plant Zone: 9-11 (USDA)
The Lady Palm, also known as the Broadleaf Lady Palm, is a clumping palm tree that adds a touch of elegance to any landscape. It features dense clusters of fan-shaped leaves that create a lush and tropical look. Growing to a height of 6-10 feet, this palm thrives in partial shade and is suitable for USDA zones 9-11. Its adaptability to low light conditions makes it a popular choice for landscaping in shaded areas or as an indoor plant.
6. Dwarf Sugar Palm (Arenga engleri)
- Plant Type: Palm
- Geographic Origin: Taiwan
- Plant Size: 6-8 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Plant Zone: 9-11 (USDA)
The Dwarf Sugar Palm, native to Taiwan, is a compact and attractive palm tree that adds a tropical touch to any landscape. Its glossy, dark green leaves create a stunning contrast against its fibrous trunk. This clumping palm grows to a height of 6-8 feet and thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is well-suited for USDA zones 9-11 and is a great choice for small gardens, pool areas, or container planting.
7. Spindle Palm (Hyophorbe verschaffeltii)
- Plant Type: Palm
- Geographic Origin: Mascarene Islands
- Plant Size: 6-10 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Plant Zone: 10-11 (USDA)
The Spindle Palm, native to the Mascarene Islands, is a unique and eye-catching palm tree that adds a touch of tropical beauty to any landscape. It features a distinctive swollen trunk, giving it its common name. With its slender, arching fronds, this solitary palm grows to a height of 6-10 feet. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and is well-suited for USDA zones 10-11. Its striking appearance makes it a popular choice for pool areas, as well as potted arrangements.
8. Pindo Palm (Butia capitata)
- Plant Type: Palm
- Geographic Origin: South America
- Plant Size: 10-20 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Plant Zone: 8-11 (USDA)
Next up in this list of small palm trees is the Pindo Palm. The Pindo Palm, also known as the Jelly Palm, is a versatile palm tree that adds a touch of tropical charm to any landscape. It features silvery-blue to green fronds and a stout trunk adorned with a crown of leaves. Growing to a height of 10-20 feet, this solitary palm thrives in full sun to partial shade and is well-suited for USDA zones 8-11. Its tolerance to cold temperatures makes it a great choice for small front yards or as a centerpiece in a pool area.
9. Chinese Fan Palm (Livistona chinensis)
- Plant Type: Palm
- Geographic Origin: East Asia
- Plant Size: 10-15 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Plant Zone: 8-11 (USDA)
The Chinese Fan Palm is a beautiful and resilient palm tree that brings a touch of elegance to any landscape. It features large, fan-shaped leaves with attractive drooping tips. This solitary palm grows to a height of 10-15 feet and thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is well-suited for USDA zones 8-11 and is a popular choice for small front yards or as a focal point in a garden.
10. Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei)
- Plant Type: Palm
- Geographic Origin: China
- Plant Size: 10-20 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Plant Zone: 7-11 (USDA)
The Windmill Palm is a hardy and iconic palm tree that is perfect for adding a touch of exotic beauty to your landscape. It features large, fan-shaped leaves that resemble the blades of a windmill. Growing to a height of 10-20 feet, this solitary palm thrives in full sun to partial shade and is well-suited for USDA zones 7-11. Its ability to withstand cold temperatures makes it a popular choice for small front yards, especially in regions with cooler climates.
11. Joey Palm (Johannesteijsmannia altifrons)
- Plant Type: Palm
- Geographic Origin: Borneo
- Plant Size: 10-15 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Plant Zone: 10-11 (USDA)
The Joey Palm is a unique and visually striking palm tree that adds a touch of tropical elegance to any landscape. It features large, glossy leaves with prominent silver markings and deeply indented segments. Growing to a height of 10-15 feet, this solitary palm thrives in full sun to partial shade and is well-suited for USDA zones 10-11. Its distinct appearance makes it a great choice for creating focal points in small front yards or as a statement plant in a potted arrangement.
12. Foxtail Palm (Wodyetia bifurcata)
- Plant Type: Palm
- Geographic Origin: Northern Australia
- Plant Size: 20-30 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 10-11 (USDA)
The Foxtail Palm is a stunning palm tree known for its unique and striking appearance. Its fronds resemble fluffy foxtails, hence the name, and create a dramatic and tropical effect. Growing to a height of 20-30 feet, this solitary palm thrives in full sun and is well-suited for USDA zones 10-11. Its tall and slender silhouette makes it an excellent choice for creating a focal point in a landscape or as a statement plant by the poolside.
13. Silver Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens)
- Plant Type: Palm
- Geographic Origin: Southeastern United States
- Plant Size: 4-6 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Plant Zone: 8-11 (USDA)
The Silver Saw Palmetto is a small and versatile palm tree native to the southeastern United States. Being one of the few small palm trees, it features fan-shaped leaves with a striking silver-gray color, adding a unique touch to any landscape. Growing to a height of 4-6 feet, this clumping palm thrives in full sun to partial shade and is well-suited for USDA zones 8-11. Its compact size and resilience make it a popular choice for small front yards, pool areas, or as a border plant.
14. Buccaneer Palm (Pseudophoenix sargentii)
- Plant Type: Palm
- Geographic Origin: Florida Keys
- Plant Size: 10-15 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Plant Zone: 10-11 (USDA)
The Buccaneer Palm, native to the Florida Keys, is a small and distinctive palm tree that adds a touch of coastal beauty to any landscape. It features fan-shaped leaves with silvery-gray undersides and a slender trunk. Growing to a height of 10-15 feet, this solitary palm thrives in full sun to partial shade and is suitable for USDA zones 10-11. Its unique appearance and compact size make it an excellent choice for small front yards, pool areas, or coastal landscapes.
15. Bottle Palm (Hyophorbe lagenicaulis)
- Plant Type: Palm
- Geographic Origin: Mascarene Islands
- Plant Size: 10-15 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Plant Zone: 10-11 (USDA)
The Bottle Palm is a captivating and compact palm tree that is sure to make a statement in any landscape. Its distinctive bottle-shaped trunk and arching fronds create a unique and tropical look. Growing to a height of 10-15 feet, this solitary palm thrives in full sun to partial shade and is well-suited for USDA zones 10-11. Its interesting shape and small size make it a popular choice for small front yards, pool areas, or as a focal point in a potted arrangement.
16. Cat Palm (Chamaedorea cataractarum)
- Plant Type: Palm
- Geographic Origin: Mexico and Central America
- Plant Size: 6-8 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Partial shade to full shade
- Plant Zone: 9-11 (USDA)
The Cat Palm, also known as the Cascade Palm, is a small palm tree that adds a touch of tropical lushness to shaded areas. It features arching fronds with delicate, feathery leaves that cascade gracefully. Growing to a height of 6-8 feet, this clumping palm thrives in partial shade to full shade and is well-suited for USDA zones 9-11. Its ability to tolerate low light conditions makes it an excellent choice for landscaping in areas with limited sunlight or as an indoor plant.
17. Needle Palm (Rhapidophyllum hystrix)
- Plant Type: Solitary palm
- Geographic Origin: Southeastern United States
- Plant Size: 4-8 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Plant Zone: 8-11 (USDA)
The Needle Palm is a small and resilient palm tree native to the southeastern United States. It gets its name from the long, needle-like spines that cover its trunk and give it a unique and textured appearance. Growing to a height of 4-8 feet, this solitary palm thrives in full sun to partial shade and is well-suited for USDA zones 8-11. Its ability to withstand cold temperatures and its compact size make it an excellent choice for small front yards, pool areas, or as a potted plant. The Needle Palm’s rugged and architectural look adds a touch of natural beauty to any landscape.
18. Mediterranean Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis)
- Plant Type: Palm
- Geographic Origin: Mediterranean
- Plant Size: 6-10 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Plant Zone: 8-11 (USDA)
Originating from the Mediterranean region, the Mediterranean Fan Palm is a compact and hardy palm tree that adds a touch of exotic beauty to any landscape. Its fan-shaped leaves are a vibrant green color, and its multiple trunks create a clumping effect. Growing to a height of 6-10 feet, this palm tree thrives in full sun to partial shade and is well-suited for USDA zones 8-11. Its adaptability makes it a great choice for small front yards or as a focal point in a potted arrangement.
19. Miniature Fishtail Palm (Chamaedorea metallica)
- Plant Type: Palm
- Geographic Origin: Mexico
- Plant Size: 3-5 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Partial shade
- Plant Zone: 10-11 (USDA)
The Miniature Fishtail Palm is a small and charming palm tree that adds a touch of elegance to any landscape. It features finely divided, feathery leaves with a metallic sheen, giving it a unique appearance. Growing to a height of 3-5 feet, this clumping palm thrives in partial shade and is well-suited for USDA zones 10-11. Its compact size and attractive foliage make it a popular choice for small gardens, shaded areas, or as an indoor plant.
20. Teddy Bear Palm (Dypsis leptocheilos)
- Plant Type: Palm
- Geographic Origin: Madagascar
- Plant Size: 6-8 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Plant Zone: 10-11 (USDA)
The Teddy Bear Palm, also known as the Redneck Palm or Red Velvet Palm, is a unique and visually striking palm tree that adds a touch of tropical charm to any landscape. Being one of the few small palm trees, it features furry, reddish-brown trunks and feathery, arching fronds. Growing to a height of 6-8 feet, this clumping palm thrives in full sun to partial shade and is well-suited for USDA zones 10-11. Its interesting texture and compact size make it a great choice for small front yards, pool areas, or as a focal point in a garden.
Conclusion
By incorporating these small palm tree varieties into your landscaping, you can create a lush and tropical oasis, even in limited spaces. These palm trees offer a range of sizes, colors, and textures, allowing you to choose the perfect ones to complement your outdoor aesthetic. From the graceful arches of the Areca Palm to the unique bottle shape of the Bottle Palm, there’s a small palm tree to suit every taste and style.
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