Royal Palm Trees

Royal palm trees are popular in many warm, coastal landscapes, particularly in southern Florida and parts of California. There are 10 species of Royal palm, also know as Roystonea, around the world. They can be found in the Caribbean, Central and South American, Florida, Texas and California.

The grace and beauty of a Royal palm makes it a popular tree along the streets of many cities. Often they are used in the islands of large parking lots or in medians along the highway. Nothing says "tropical" like the majestic Royal palm.

Royal palm trees can reach 50 to 100 feet high with a growth rate of around a foot each year. Fragrant, yellow flowers bloom in the summer. Evergreen leaf-blades reaching 18 to 36 inches top a crown shaft that is long and green. Purple to black half-inch fruits are showy but not edible. They thrive in gardening zones 10 and 11 but can handle short periods of cold as low as 28 degrees. Royal palms are commonly seen in the landscapes of palm tree enthusiasts. It is often considered a "must-have" tree for those who love different types of palm trees.

This palm prefers full sun to partial shade. Soil can be clay, sand or loam; it doesn't seem to be very picky in this regard. The Royal palm prefers acidic to slightly alkaline soil, but be careful not to have too much alkalinity or the fronds may come out frizzled.

The Royal palm likes lots of water but it is moderately drought tolerant. This makes it a good tree even if you live in a place that has watering restrictions. While it does love to be watered, it must be well drained. Amazingly though, they not only tolerate, but seem to thrive in the poor soil and drainage of urban environments where other trees tend to do poorly.

For more information on basic palm tree care, read Palm Tree Care.

The Royal palm is resistant to many pests and diseases; however there are a few that you should be aware of. One potential pest is the Royal Palm bug. This pest feeds on the young leaves of the tree. As the leaves mature they may look scorched. Problems with this bug tend to be worse in the early spring, but improve in the early summer.

Other insect pests can include the palm leaf skeletonizer which feeds on the leaf tissue between the veins. Giant palm weevil and scales can cause problems as well. Sometimes chemical treatments are useful but often these problems will just need to run their course. Removal of infected trees might be the only solution, but it is best to consult your local Extension office to get the latest information.

Ganoderma butt rot is a fungal disease that will kill infected palms. By the time symptoms are visible, the tree has already been rotted on the inside. Therefore, no treatment is available. Removal of the tree is the only option.

Generally, Royal palms are grown from seed. You can also find them at some nurseries. Jungle Music is one place that you can find Royal palms. You can also inquire at your local nursery. If they do not carry them, they may know who does in your area.

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