Sabal ‘Riverside’

Riverside palmetto
Grand palmetto thrives in California conditions. Unmatched for large-scale foliage with ease of care. Very cold- and heat-tolerant. In time, becomes stately palm tree.
Sabal 'Riverside'
height 20–30
width 15–20
tolerates Coast, Cold, Cool Summers, Heat, Salt, Wind
water
needs		 Moderate
water
info		 Needs plenty of water to get established, but after a few years can be irrigated moderately. Will grow faster with more water in warm weather. Will tolerate more drought in cooler areas, and in heavier soils.
hardy
to		 17F
exposure Part Shade – Full Sun
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Ground: Planting Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Potting Soil, Tolerates Heavy Soil, Tolerates Sandy Soil
fertilizing Palm Fertilizer
origin Cultivation
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 8, 9, 11–H2

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

Growing Notes

Fast-growing, and especially well-adapted to California conditions. Apply palm food (3-2-3 with micronutrients) quarterly (OK to skip winter fertilizer application). At maturity, its garlands of thousands of flowers make pollinators and gardeners happy.

Special Interest

First identified in a garden in Riverside, California, in the mid-20th century, this variety has never been identified to species. Some believe it to be a strain of Sabal mexicana from the southern portion of its range. Others see resemblances to the notably large Caribbean species, Sabal causiarum and Sabal domingensis.