When most people think of palm trees, they imagine tropical beaches, year round sunshine, and warm coastal breezes. If you live in a region that experiences cool temperatures- or even the occasional frost- you might think palm trees aren’t an option.
Think again.
Cold-hardy palms are changing the game for homeowners in USDA zones 7-10 who want to bring a lush, tropical feel to their landscape. But here’s the secret- not all palm trees are grown equal.
Where your palm is grown- and how it is grown- can make a huge difference in how well it thrives once planted.
Here are 5 reasons why buying your palm tree from a cold-hardy farm is the smarter choice:
They’re already acclimated to cooler temperature
Palms grown in tropical environments may look fresh and vibrant, but once planted in a cooler climate, they often go into transplant shock. The stress from sudden exposure to cold weather can lead to stunted growth-or worse, cause the tree to die.
Palms grown on cold-hardy farms, on the other hand, are raised in climates with seasonal temperature swings, cooler temperatures and occasional frost. These trees have already experienced cold shock in both their roots and fronds. As a result, they’re better prepared to transition smoothly into your landscape.
Cold Conditioning increases survival rates
Cold-hardy palm farms specifically grow species like the Pindo Palm and Sylvester palms outdoors, so they have a lifetime of being conditioned to cold, seasonal temperatures, much like what they would encounter when they are planted in your yard.
That means better survivability through winter, fewer losses due to cold damage, and ultimately greater peace of mind when you’re investing in a beautiful palm tree for your home or business.
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Stronger Root System
Palms grown in colder climates often develop stronger, deeper, and more resilient root systems because they’ve had to adapt to tougher conditions- like inconsistent moisture and fluctuating temperatures. This results in healthier and more stable palms once transplanted to your landscape.
Stronger roots mean:
-Faster establishment
-Better drought resistance
-Reduced risk of transplant shock
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Grown for Real-World Conditions, not just looks.
Greenhouse grown or South Florida palms may look picture perfect- and will likely cost less- but that beauty often fades fast once the palm faces real-world conditions like wind, rain, cold snaps, or pool soil.
Cold-hardy farms produce palms that are tough, tested, and trained to handle the elements. You are not just buying a palm that looks good on delivery day- but a palm that has grown with resilience.
You are supporting a specialized grower who understands cold-hardy palms
Buying from a cold-hardy palm farm, such as Iguana Palms, means you are purchasing from an expert who specializes in growing trees for cooler regions.
Iguana Palms understands the unique challenges homeowners face when trying to create a tropical landscape outside of the tropics. They offer the best advice and guidance, site recommendations, design support, and maintenance to keep your palms looking good- and most important, a one year warranty on our palms.
Located in the seasonally cool climate of North Florida, Iguana Palms is the northernmost palm farm in the state. Our location gives our trees a natural conditioning they need to thrive in areas like Ocala, Orlando, Tallahassee, even into Southern Georgia and the Carolinas.
