Species

Sabal palmettoCabbage Palm

1 other cultivar

‘Tifton Hardy’Tifton Hardy Cabbage Palm

shrubN. America Native

Mount Holly Cabbage Palm

Sabal palmetto 'Mount Holly'

The Story

Plant Bio

Sabal palmetto 'Mount Holly' is a robust, palm-like shrub or small tree with fan-shaped, deeply divided green fronds and a trunk that can develop a rough, textured surface, creating an elegant, tropical appearance.

This cultivar is distinguished by its excellent cold tolerance and slow growth, making it suitable for a variety of landscape settings and urban environments.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a striking, tropical look with its fan-shaped fronds, perfect for creating a lush focal point.

Drought tolerant once established, requires minimal watering, ideal for xeriscaping.

Provides habitat and food for local bird species, contributing to biodiversity.

SpeciesSabal palmettoCabbage Palm

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

240 inches

Width

120 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Decades

Native To

Southeastern United States

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Bloom period

Late summer – Late fall

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seedlings into well-draining soil in spring.
Water regularly during first year for establishment.
Fertilize with palm-specific fertilizer in early spring.
Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Prune dead fronds in late winter for a tidy appearance.
Protect from cold winds in winter for best results.

Pro Tip

Ensure soil is well-draining; avoid overwatering in winter.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
Apply balanced fertilizer in spring
Mulch to conserve moisture

Don't

Overwater to prevent root rot ❌
Ignore cold protection in winter ❌
Prune healthy fronds unnecessarily ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Tropical-style gardenBold focal pointShade-loving border

Companion Plants

Ferns Hostas Caladiums Banana plants Elephant ears

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Mount Holly Cabbage Palm questions

What zones can Mount Holly Cabbage Palm grow in?

Mount Holly Cabbage Palm is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Mount Holly Cabbage Palm deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Mount Holly Cabbage Palm, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Mount Holly Cabbage Palm bloom?

Mount Holly Cabbage Palm typically blooms in late summer through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Mount Holly Cabbage Palm need full sun?

Mount Holly Cabbage Palm does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Mount Holly Cabbage Palm drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Mount Holly Cabbage Palm handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.