When you think of Florida, you picture palm trees, coconuts, sun, sand, and tropical vibes. However, if you’ve ever visited North Florida in the winter, the vibe can be the complete opposite. Jacksonville, in Zone 9a, can see temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit during the coldest months! Those temperatures will kill most tropical and subtropical plants seen further south along the Florida peninsula. Of course, protective measures can be taken to attempt to save tropical plants from freezing temps, but providing blankets or heaters is a lot of work. Fortunately, there are cold hardy tropical plants that can survive the cold, as well as plants that appear “tropical,” but are native to more temperate regions.
Like we always say, every project is different, so don’t be afraid to get professional help to determine how sun exposure, wind exposure, and other microclimate factors will affect your ability to grow these plants. For example, a plant may thrive on the south side of a building when located against a warm brick wall but may freeze if located on the north side of that same building once the cold winter winds begin. To kick-start some ideas, we’ve put together a list of plants observed growing and thriving in North Florida and Jacksonville.
As you read more about these plants, send us a message if you have any questions.
And when you are ready to do some planting, we will design and install the right plant in the right place for you!
However, all plants have unique characteristics that must be considered when deciding which one to select. Ensuring the right plant, right place rule is followed will lead to a healthy, happy plant. It’s best to confirm that your unique growing conditions will support these plants before installing them.
Large Palms
Mule Palm, X Butiagrus nabonnandii
If you want to make a statement, the mule palm is your star. Mule palms are the best choice for a palm tree with a “tropical vibe.” To many people, it appears similar to a coconut palm which grows much further south. While beautiful, they are a prized possession due to their rarity. They are truly majestic trees.
As you might expect from the name, a mule palm is a hybrid crossbreed between a Queen Palm and Pindo Palm. Both the Queen and Pindo palms are cold hardy tropical plants, so the Mule Palm is a strong and hardy palm tree. The mule palm can withstand temperatures down to about 10 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a great candidate for North Florida.
Growing quickly to heights up to 25 feet with a spread of 15 feet, select a location that provides plenty of room to grow. As with any specimen, find a spot where you can enjoy viewing it. Mule palms prefer well-drained soils and full to part sun. They have good drought and salt tolerance as well!
If you want to learn more about Mule Palm trees, The University of Florida has more information about Mule Palms on the IFAS website.
Wild Date Palm, Phoenix sylvestris
Wild date palm is commonly used around North Florida and Jacksonville to provide tropical accents to the landscapes. Originally from India, this date palm produces edible fruits. This is why it also goes by the name “sugar date palm.” However, it is primarily planted to provide a lush, tropical feel to the landscape with its silvery green foliage.
Wild date palms are also specimens that provide spectacular focal points in the landscape. Common locations include pools, plazas, and outdoor gathering spaces.
A slow grower, the wild date palm can reach a height of 50 feet and spread of 15 feet, but it is rarely observed at that size. The average mature size is 25-30 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide.
For optimal growth and vigor, plant in full sunlight and well-drained sandy soils. While the wild date palm is moderately drought tolerant, it performs better with routine watering. These palms can withstand temperatures down to about 15F, so North Florida and Jacksonville provide a suitable climate.
If you would like to learn more details about Wild Date Palm trees, The University of Florida has more information about Wild Date Palms on the IFAS website.
Small Palms and Cycads
European Fan Palm, Chamaerops humilis
A slow-growing palm with a lot of character and interest, European Fan Palms are common North Florida cold hardy tropical plants. Due to the slow-growing nature of this palm, we recommend installing this palm close to the final size you want. Mature sizes are 8-12 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide.
With a sculptural feel, European Fan Palm is commonly planted at pools, plazas, outdoor gathering spaces, and patio containers and also stands out well in planter beds. Growing in clumps of multiple trunks with various heights, each palm is unique. They are excellent candidates for uplights for night viewing.
European Fan Palms are found as far north as Zone 8B, with low temperatures reaching 15F. As a native to Europe, this palm can handle the cold of North Florida and Jacksonville while still giving a tropical feel. While drought-tolerant, this palm does not tolerate salt, so if you have a coastal site, consider other options. Plant in full to part sun for best performance.
If you want to learn more about European Fan Palms, The University of Florida has more information about European Fan Palms on the IFAS website.
Lady Palm, Rhapis excelsa
Lady palm is an excellent cold hardy tropical plant for shady spots. As a clustering palm, these palms form thickets up to about 6 feet tall. The stems are about 1 inch in diameter and covered with matted brown fibers.
The leaves are dark green and have a palmate shape. They will turn yellow if exposed to full sun, so keep this plant in the shade. Being cold and drought tolerant, this an easy plant to bring some tropical vibes to your shady landscape.
If you would like to learn more details about Lady Palm, The University of Florida has more information about Lady Palm plants on the IFAS website.
Saw Palmetto, Serenoa repens
A trusted native of Florida, saw palmetto can withstand a wide range of growing conditions. This clumping, multi-trunked palm is a slow grower that will eventually reach 8 feet tall and 8 feet wide. As an added benefit, the flowers and fruits are attractive to insects and wildlife. The tropical foliage and the wildlife that visit this plant are nice additions to any landscape.
If you would like to learn more details about Saw Palmetto, The University of Florida has more information about Saw Palmetto plants on the IFAS website.
Cardboard Plant, Zamia furfuracea
The Cardboard Plant shines in the lush, tropical vibe. A native to Mexico, the Cardboard Plant has been around since the dinosaurs. It’s often confused as a type of palm, but it is an ancient type of cycad. The plant gets its name from the stiff, green leaves that feel as stout as cardboard.
Cardboard plant is a Florida-Friendly plant selection, as well as a Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA) Plant of the Year in 2007. Drought and salt tolerant, the cardboard plant is a great choice for most planting sites with full to part sun.
While it is considered a slow-grower, be sure to plan ahead, as this plant grows into a mound-like appearance of 4 feet tall by 6 feet wide. Although cardboard palm is found throughout North Florida, it prefers warm temperatures of Zones 9B-11 for optimal growth. Careful selection of planting locations will be critical to long-term survival, as North Florida is on the extreme northern end of its range.
If you want to learn more about Cardboard Plants, The University of Florida has more information about Cardboard Plants on the IFAS website.
Shrubs and Accents
‘Queen Emma’ Crinum Lily, Crinum augustum ‘Queen Emma’
‘Queen Emma’ crinum plants are truly unique. With large, purple/burgundy strap-like leaves, and red stems, this crinum has an exotic feel. In addition, it also has a showy, fragrant, pink/white star-shaped flower.
Reaching a height of 5 feet and a spread of 3 feet, the crinum is a large plant. Give this beauty plenty of room to spread out and show off.
For best results, plant in full to part sun and provide plenty of water. Crinum can withstand temperatures down to 10F, so there should be no concern for freeze damage.
If you would like to learn more details about Crinum Lily, The University of Florida has more information about Crinum Lily Plants on the IFAS website.
‘Xanadu’ Philodendron, Philodendron x ‘Xanadu’
If you have a protected location or decorative containers, consider using Xanadu Philodendron to add a tropical feel to your landscapes. The tropical look comes from the dark green, lobed leaves. While it isn’t colorful and doesn’t have showy flowers, this plant will provide interest.
Xanadu will quickly grow into 4 feet by 4 feet clumps, so space them about 4 feet apart. They are a popular choice for foundation plantings, specimens, or containers.
Shade, rich soil, and moisture are the preferred growing conditions for Xanadu.
To learn more details about Xanadu Philodendron, The University of Florida has more information about Xanadu Philodendron Plants on the IFAS website.
Bird of Paradise
With blue and orange flowers appearing as birds in flight, the bird-of-paradise has one of the most unique flowers of any plant found in Florida. These provide an unmatched tropical feel to any landscape.
Bird-of-paradise plants grow into clumps 3-5 feet tall and wide. The green leaves are about 18 inches long and 6 inches wide, with a leathery texture. Fortunately, the leaves are evergreen and do not fall off. Old leaves may be pruned off as needed.
Due to their attractive flowers and clean foliage, they are popular accent plants for spaces needing attention or interest. They can be planted in groupings for big impact, as a single focal point, or in containers that can be moved around.
They can tolerate temperatures as low as 24F for short periods. Depending upon the unique situation of your site, these plants may need protection in the winter on the coldest days. If grown in containers, moving the plants indoors until the cold passes is an option.
Plant in full to part sun. For optimal growth, bird-of-paradise prefers fertile, moist soils with good drainage. Regular watering will lead to better growth and blooms.
If you want to learn more about Bird-of-Paradise, The University of Florida has more information about Bird-Of-Paradise Plants on the IFAS website.
Awabuki Viburnum, Viburnum odoratissimum ‘Awabuki’
With large, leathery, green leaves up to 6 inches long, the Awabuki Viburnum provides year-round interest. The fragrant white flowers and red/black berries are attractive to birds and wildlife.
Locate Awabuki where it has room to grow to mature size. Reaching a mature size of 15 feet tall by 15 feet wide, Awabuki serves as a screening hedge or a small specimen tree. Due to the large leaf size, frequent pruning to maintain a lower height will negatively impact the appearance of the plant.
Overall, Awabuki performs well in most growing conditions and is relatively maintenance-free.
If you want to learn more about Awabuki Viburnum, The University of Florida has more information about Awabuki Viburnum Plants on the IFAS website.
Closing Thoughts
Every project site is unique, with different sun amounts of sun and shade, drainage, soils, growing space, buildings, pavements, etc. While this list of “cold hardy tropical plants” provides a great starting point, seeking professional help to match your unique site with the proper plant species provides you peace of mind knowing your investment will pay off in the future.
Looking for more tropical plants? We highlight some additional plants with a tropical vibe in our article “Have a Shady Yard? Plant these Top 9 Best Plants for Shade in Jacksonville.“
If you want more information about one of the plants listed in the article, send us a message or give us a call.