The primary limiting constituent for growing ribbon trees in Texas is the extent of wintertime common cold . Palms that grow with a proboscis are " tree - like , " with a minimum fledged height of 5 feet . An organic ample , moist , well - draining , non - alkalic soil favour best growth and aesthetics for Texas palm trees . Many more palms prosper in the tender mood nearest the Gulf Coast than far north .
The Panhandle: USDA Zone 6
The northernmost reaches of the Texas Panhandle experience the cold winter weather in the land . Reaching first gear to -10 level F , no trunk - growing palm " Tree " grow well here without deal of guardianship and intensive protective covering by gardeners . The needle palm ( Rhapidophyllum hystrix , USDA zone 6b-10 ) is a effective cold - hardy Texas medal tree choice , but it ’s a dull - agriculturist and tops out around 6 feet .
North Texas: USDA Zone 7
North Texas , the vast interior of central and north Texas in USDA Hardiness Zone 7 , includes the city of Abilene , Lubbock and Odessa . One of the best palm tree diagram choices for this part is the windmill palm ( Trachycarpus fortunei , USDA geographical zone 7 - 11 ) , which survives wintertime much well if sheltered from the winter winds . TheNorth Carolina State Extensionexplains that this palm ’s frond , which coil in all focussing , is the reason for its common name . Only in affectionate microclimates on the southern side of buildings would a European fan medal ( Chamaerops humilis , zones 7b-11 ) perhaps grow nicely , and then only in the warm parts of Zone 7 .
Southeast Texas: USDA Zone 8
Winter ’s lowly temperatures in Zone 8 usually get no colder than 10 degree , increasing the routine of palm tree mintage worthy to grow and enjoy . In Austin , Tyler , El Paso and Lufkin , shekels palms ( Sabal palmetto , zona 7b-11 ) grow with minimal winter frond browning . Other tree - corresponding palm species peradventure grow well in southerly Texas include the European fan palm ( Chamaerops humilis , zones 8 - 11 ) and Mexican sorry thenar ( Brahea armata , zones 8 - 11 ) and , in the warmest region , the hardy bamboo palm ( Chamaedorea microspadix , zones 8 - 11 ) .
Coastal and Subtropical Texas: Zone 9
The retentive , red-hot maturate time of year with mild winters in USDA Zone 9 along coastal Texas allows gardener to love the widest selection of tree - same palms in their landscapes . decoration trees in Houston and Corpus Christi admit all the palms listed for Southeast Texas ( USDA Zone 8) .
If soils are keep on dry during the wintertime calendar month , Canary Island appointment palm ( Phoenix canariensis , zones 9 - 11 ) is a minuscule , slow - growing specimen . TheTexas A&M AgriLife Extensionnotes that item-by-item fronds may reach length up to 10 feet . In addition , many more species of sabal ribbon ( Sabal spp . ) and windmill laurel wreath ( Trachycarpus spp . ) grow . Taiwanese fan medal ( Livistona chinensis , zones 9 - 11 ) and ribbon ribbon ( Livistona decora , district 9 - 11 ) tote up an refined touch to garden with their large fan - similar fronds that devolve off the automobile trunk .
Although periodic lovesome winters coax some flora enthusiast to assay permanently grow queen palm ( Syagrus romanzoffiana , zones 10 - 11 ) and foxtail grass thenar ( Wodyetia bifurcata , partition 10 - 11 ) , they succumb to freezes and look beat and tattered when temperatures drop below 30 degrees . draw out Arctic coldness along the Texas Gulf Coast will fully bolt down these two decoration species , too .
